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Sanctifying The Imagination

Uncategorized Apr 21, 2022

Your imagination is a blessing.

Read that statement again.

Your imagination IS A BLESSING.

I need to remind myself of this truth on a regular basis. Most of us know in theory that our imagination is God-given. But when you struggle with lust, the imagination quickly becomes a double-edged sword.

Sure, it can help you dream about a better future. It can help you set goals and objectives and view things three-dimensionally.

But your imagination also becomes the source of fantasies, undressing women, and triggers that later on lead to slips.

Personally, I am very visual. It has allowed me to be very successful academically because I can picture a lot of the concepts as they are explained. This not only enhances my understanding, it also crystalizes the concept in my memory.

But on the flip side, 6 years of freedom later and my imagination still goes to lustful places sometimes.

So you may be wondering…does this ever go away? If Sathiya has been free that long and he still deals with this from time to time, then what hope do I have?

Well here are a few critical points to consider. 

Read the next few sentences very carefully…

    1. Your imagination was designed with Godly intents – to create, to get your needs met in healthy ways, to dream, and to experience intimacy. Since God’s nature is to redeem, these aspects of your imagination are always on the table.
    2. How you respond to ungodly imaginations is VERY important. Do not criticize, analyze, or condemn yourself just because you imagined something dirty. There is likely a reason for it.
    3. Further to point 2, make an effort to understand your lustful imaginations. What do they offer you? For me personally, it is usually connection (specifically, being able to “see” someone intimately) and control.
    4. Ask yourself: “What is a better way to get these needs/desires met?
    5. If you are not in a place where you can exercise #3 & #4, simply need to deflect the imagination and find something better to focus on in the moment. Then do the exercises at a better time.

 Today I struggle with fantasy 1-2x/week. The dramatic improvement from the dozens of times a day when I was addicted, and it is in large part because of the 5 points I mentioned above.

Be kind to yourself. Keep going. It’s not always easy, but there is glorious freedom on the other side as you work through your imaginations.

Cheering you on,

Sathiya

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