Vain Imaginations

Although the use of the word “imagination” is somewhat frequent in the Bible, it is an English “umbrella word” covering a variety of ideas presented by the Hebrew and Greek in the Old and New Testaments, all of which are closely linked. The context of its uses helps to shed much light as to what is meant. For example, the following is a quote from Psalms 2:1: “Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things” (Acts 4:25)? The last phrase might be more clearly translated, “foolish or empty musing or thoughts.”

In Romans 1, Paul castigated the pagans “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). The phrase, “became vain in their imaginations,” might be more clearly translated, “were rendered foolish in their debating.”

In a third location (which I believe to be the final use of the word in the Bible) it is Paul speaking again. This time he uses a somewhat different word in making his point: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). In this case, “casting down imaginations” has the idea of “destroying unsubstantiated speculations.”

In each of these cases a different word is used to present essentially the same thing. Believing that individual words of the scripture are chosen by God, we then see that He is using this means of enlarging on a very important idea dealing with a problem that afflicts many and causes much harm in the Kingdom – foolish and/or harmful imaginings.

Our most foolish reasoning is quite often the wrong things we think about God. The verse quoted from Psalms 2 has the heathen depreciating the authority of God. In that case, he will laugh and show them Who is in charge.

In Romans 1, the pagans refuse to recognize God as God even in the light of all that He has shown them. Here He lets them think what they want but hardens their heart so that they can’t think anything else.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows that the empty or foolish reasoning we entertain become the building blocks of the strongholds of the enemy. He strongly insists that they should be dismantled, cast down, and every errant and stray thought be brought under the discipline of Christ.

Speculations, foolish thinking, and unwarranted reasoning are part and parcel of the destructive work of the enemy. Our thought processes can become undisciplined and our conclusions can be uncalled – for concerning the church, others, about life and even about God. Unfortunately, such imaginations are often taken as if they were the truth and treated as such. When that happens they contribute to innuendo, gossip, strife, and division which is always disruptive at the least and destructive at the most.

James attacked the whole framework of destructive and unbridled imagination and speculation by saying, “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:15-16).

Paul gave the formula for wise and sensible thought when he said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

God, give us the determination to guard our hearts with all Godly wisdom and discipline.

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061