WHEN A LOOK BECOMES A LIE

A few decades ago, two ministers were on the platform, engaged in quiet conversation before the service. A woman from the church entered, and both men looked up, a simple acknowledgment of her presence. In that instant, though, something changed. She became certain they were discussing her, maybe sharing some private failing or judgment. Anger flared, quickly followed by weeks of painful withdrawal and silence.

A few weeks later, when the pastor inquired about her distress, she explained, “I know you told the visiting preacher something about me. The moment I walked in, you both looked at me at the same time.” The pastor's response was complete denial. They hadn't been discussing her at all. This brief story touches on a basic aspect of being human. Our capacity for imagination is a remarkable asset, yet it can also be a source of trouble.

Imagination lets us run mental simulations of what might occur, test possibilities, spot potential hazards, and practice choices. The frontal lobe, especially the prefrontal cortex, enables us to "pre-live" experiences. Without this, we'd be at the mercy of our impulses.

The past offers many interesting illustrations. For instance, Leonardo da Vinci envisioned innovative flying machines, including the ornithopter, with flapping wings like a bird's; the aerial screw, a precursor to the helicopter; and a pyramid-shaped parachute. Later, the Wright brothers studied birds in flight to imagine humans flying. Even beyond those examples, the myth of Icarus that I read while in junior high dates back centuries, showing humanity's age-old desire to fly.

Imagination is a precious gift that we have soon after birth, and that remains with us throughout our lifespan. Sadly, this same ability can also be used for bad purposes. The Bible offers a strong warning in Ezekiel 8:12, where God reveals the "chambers of imagery" where the elders of Israel secretly imagined evil things. In the story of the woman in church, her imagination turned a neutral look into a complete, false story of gossip and betrayal. This is exactly why the Apostle Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 10:5 is so relevant, when he said, "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." He never denigrated imagination. He only cautioned against the type of imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

Paul's discourse pertains to spiritual conflict, specifically targeting not individuals but rather the realm of thoughts and psychological strongholds. The woman's mind had, in effect, elevated itself "against the knowledge of God" (and the truth of the circumstances) by fabricating a non-existent accusation. Rather than subduing this thought and aligning it with truth, she permitted it to dominate her. Consequently, she endured weeks of avoidable distress, resentment, and social withdrawal.

In faith communities, this practice is particularly vital. A fleeting look, a hushed exchange, or a neglected greeting can easily become the spark for imagined slights if we're not careful. As a young pastor, I learned about a man who harbored animosity toward me. I went to him to discuss the situation. During a robbery where he and others were victims, he was informed that I had provided an alibi for the individuals identified as potential robbers, claiming they were assisting me in moving a piano at the time of the incident. I assured him that was a rumor, and though I did speak to a state investigator and told him those men helped me move a piano, I did not say it happened during the time of the robbery. After a brief conversation, we were able to resolve the issue, and we have maintained our neighborly relationship.

Have you ever had to "cast down" an imagination that was getting out of hand? Leave a comment.