From Imagination to Rest

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Defined by the Dictionary of Psychology, Imagination is “the reorganization of data derived from past experiences, with new relations, into present ideational experience”.

This means that imagination is often based on real experiences, or a person’s experience with their own reality. It is safe to say that imagination is how one views the world. It is often a re-creation of the world.

So, if one is asked to close their eyes and describe a place, they would re-create an image in their head about their perfect world and this would be imagination.

Proverbs 13:15 tells us, “Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.” 

The transgressor thinks covertly, his true self is hidden – indeed must be hidden. The mechanism for hiding and the thing hidden, together, describe the old sin nature. “The whole head is sick, heart faint. “

Out of this filter of “self” (the way of a man is not in himself -Jeremiah 10:22), comes painted images of events gone by, interpreting current events through the faulty filter of past experiences. Our definition from above calls these “imaginations.” i.e.. world view

We believers must cast these down. (2Corinthians 10:4-5.) They are of no value as they obscure truth.

. Proverbs 18:2  remind us, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” ESV

Opinions unfortunately are the product of maligned thinking-apparatus. This apparatus, with its wide range of opinion can only produce skewed results. In plain words,

my own world-view-truth obliterates real truth – God’s truth.

It cannot deliver my soul. Sorry.

Scripture teaches, “High things” must go down also, (thoughts emerging from pride, the Kingdom of Darkness, or other opinionated self-thinkers). These exalt themselves against the knowledge of Christ.

The 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 metaphor instructs us that we must “spear” these arguments and opinions and make them come to the obedience of Christ. Christ’ obedience brought about a “finished work” see John 19:30. The entire work of redemption, of rescuing the souls of Men, stands forever complete. So, how do we “spear” and bring our thoughts into obedience?

Mat 11:28-30 is a great help. These are the words of Jesus,   Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

To whom was Jesus speaking? Barnes comments “… He refers primarily to the Jews, who groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws and the traditions of the elders, see Acts 15:10. He tells them that by coming to him, and embracing the new system of religion, they would be freed from these burdensome rites and ceremonies.

There can be no doubt, however, that He meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner: the man “burdened” with a consciousness of his transgressions, trembling at his danger, and seeking deliverance. For such there is relief.”

Friends, fellow believers, if we come to Him, He will give us “repose” and then we will find an “intermission” from the way of the transgressor – which is simply “hard.” Deliverance from our need to “mask up” has been accomplished and we appropriate it by simply yoking up with Him. How?

“The rabbis used “yoke” for school, as many pupils find it now a yoke. The English word “school” is Greek for leisure (scholē). But Jesus offers refreshment (anapausin) in his school and promises to make the burden light, for he is a meek and humble teacher.” Robertson

In closing, in regards to our Spiritual well-being, our core living, we just enroll in the school of Christ, forsake any and all other systems or schools, learn truth in God’s reality, and spear any rambunctious alter-thoughts, whether from self, world or devil. In This “finished work” world, comes rest for thinking, love, peace and joy, patience, faith., and more. love ya