Walking the Line: Balancing tendencies,imagination and Reality in a Fallen World

The human mind, a complex organ of thought and consciousness, often operates on autopilot. We perform countless actions daily without conscious deliberation, guided by habits, instincts, and subconscious impulses.

  One reason we may act without thinking is the force of habit. Over time, we develop patterns of behavior that become deeply ingrained within us. These habits can be both beneficial and detrimental. David Goggins, an ultramarathon runner cannot go a day without running, or he will feel under accomplished and overwhelmed, while many on skid row cannot go a day without poisoning their body with drugs without feeling ill due to withdrawals. Another factor that influences our subconscious behavior is our emotional state. Our emotions can significantly impact our decision-making and actions. When we are experiencing strong emotions, such as anger, fear, or sadness, we may be more likely to act impulsively or irrationally. It is interesting that we are more lenient with people who act based on their emotional state. The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners and that our hearts are deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). This means that we are prone to act impulsively or irrationally, even when we know it is wrong. However, the Bible also teaches us that God is merciful and forgiving. He understands our weaknesses and limitations, and he loves us despite our sins. When we see someone acting impulsively or irrationally, we should be compassionate and understanding. We should remember that we are all sinners and that we may have acted the same way in similar circumstances. We should also pray for the person and ask God to help them overcome their struggles. Furthermore, our subconscious mind can be influenced by our beliefs and values. These beliefs, often formed early in life, can shape our perceptions of the world and our interactions with others. While our conscious mind may be aware of our beliefs, our subconscious mind may operate on autopilot, guiding our behavior in ways that align with our deeply held values and culture. Furthermore, our subconscious mind can be influenced by our sinful nature, which is characterized by pride, lust, greed, envy, wrath, gluttony, and sloth. These sins can distort our perceptions of the world and our interactions with others.  

      Another real reason we must acknowledge why we may act unconsciously is because Satan and his demons are actively attacking our lives with temptation and despair. C.S. Lewis gives a great allegory of this in “The Screwtape Letters,” the enemy (Satan) often works through our subconscious minds to tempt and deceive us. He exploits our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, planting doubts and fears that can lead us astray. As Screwtape writes to Wormwood, “It is not your business to tempt men with great sins, but to make them think small sins are no sins at all” (Letter 2). The enemy may also influence our subconscious minds by appealing to our desires and passions. In “The Screwtape Letters,” Screwtape advises Wormwood to “keep the patient’s mind in a perpetual state of distraction” (Letter 4). By distracting us with worldly pleasures and concerns, the enemy can prevent us from focusing on what is truly important and keep us stuck in a lifestyle of sin or complacency.  Finally, the enemy may influence our subconscious minds by instilling in us a sense of self-sufficiency and pride. In “The Screwtape Letters,” Screwtape warns Wormwood against “the patient’s occasional glimpses of humility” (Letter 6). Humility is a virtue that can protect us from the enemy’s influence. By recognizing our limitations and dependence on God, we can resist the temptation to rely on our own strength and wisdom.  

    In contrast to the subconscious mind, which often operates without conscious awareness, imagination allows us to transcend the limitations of our physical existence and explore the realm of possibilities. Through our imagination, we can envision new worlds, create works of art, create new ways of expressing ideas, and dream of a better future. Imagination does not necessarily mean you create fiction in your mind, you can use imagination to visualize reality, comprehend stories and lessons, and visualize your dreams creating a sense of motivation. Throughout the Bible we are asked to use our imagination to envision God’s character and understand his lessons. For example, in Isaiah 40:28, God is described as “the One who sits above the circle of the earth, who raises its inhabitants like dust.” This verse invites us to use our imagination to contemplate the vastness of God’s creation and our smallness in comparison. the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to illustrate the different ways that people respond to the gospel message we are invoked to imagine this parable to fully understand the message. Imagination leads to things like the creation of hymns and Christian movies, these works of art have brought many to Christ. Imagination is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil. When used constructively, the imagination can inspire creativity, innovation, and hope. However, when misused, the imagination can lead to escapism, delusion, and despair. Learning to use it properly is a discipline. From a Christian perspective, the imagination can be seen as a gift from God. As image-bearers of God, we are endowed with the ability to create and imagine. This creative potential reflects the divine creativity that brought the universe into existence. While the imagination can be a source of inspiration and joy, it is important to recognize the dangers of excessive daydreaming. When we become overly absorbed in our fantasies, we may lose touch with reality and neglect our responsibilities. Daydreaming can also lead to feelings of disappointment. Moreover, the Bible warns against dwelling on negative thoughts and images. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.  

   In the Twilight Zone episode “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” a man gains the ability to read minds after flipping a coin on its side. He uses this newfound power to read the mind of an old man he works with and discovers that the old man is contemplating robbing a bank. However, the old man is too cowardly to carry out the crime. This episode highlights the disconnect between our thoughts and our actions. This is a unique demonstration of how not only do people do things without thinking about them, but they also think about things with no intention of doing them.  

    The parable of the doer and the dreamer offers a valuable lesson about the relationship between imagination and action. While dreams can provide us with inspiration and motivation, they must be accompanied by practical steps and hard work. The doer, who is willing to put in the effort and take the necessary risks, is more likely to achieve his or her goals.  

                  Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, lived two brothers named Elias and Silas. Elias was a dreamer, his head often lost in the clouds. He would spend hours gazing at the stars, imagining far-off lands and exciting adventures. Silas, who had a heart that wandered but on the other hand, was a doer. He was always busy with tasks, his hands never idle. He would spend his days tending to the fields and caring for their animals.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Elias began to speak of his dreams. “I long to sail across the ocean,” he said, “to explore distant shores and discover hidden treasures.” Silas smiled. “That sounds wonderful, Elias,” he replied

   One day, a band of soldiers came to the village on a recruiting mission. They were seeking brave and capable individuals to join them on a perilous journey. Elias was immediately intrigued. He saw this as an opportunity to fulfill his dream of exploring distant lands.

As the soldiers continued their search, they came across Silas. They were immediately struck by his industrious nature and strong work ethic. They watched him as he tended to his fields and cared for his animals, and they were impressed by his skill and efficiency.

The soldiers decided to choose Silas for the mission. They believed that his practical skills and unwavering determination would be invaluable in the face of the challenges they would encounter. Elias was disappointed, but he also recognized that the soldiers were right. His dreams, while inspiring, were not enough to prepare him for the harsh realities of the journey.

In the context of the parable, Elias’s dreams were admirable, but they lacked the grounding in reality that Silas’s actions provided. Silas’s work ethic and practical skills were essential for success in the real world. 

    The human mind is a complex and multifaceted organ that is influenced by both conscious and unconscious factors. The subconscious mind, often guided by habits, emotions, and beliefs, can shape our behavior in ways that we may not fully understand. The imagination, on the other hand, allows us to transcend the limitations of our physical existence and explore the realm of possibilities. While the imagination can be a source of inspiration and creativity, it is important to recognize the dangers of excessive daydreaming. By striking a balance between imagination, control and action, we can use our minds how they were called to be trained and used. As Christians, we are called to use our minds for the glory of God. We must be careful not to allow our imaginations to lead us astray. Instead, we should use our minds to contemplate the wonders of God’s creation and to understand his divine plan for our lives. We should also use our minds to serve others and to make a positive impact on the world.