Vain Imaginations

Imagine this…

You have a clear idea of what God wants you to do… you have good intentions to carry it out… then before you know it… you’ve backed away from it.

Can you relate?

I think we all can.

But how does this happen?

I believe a common but rarely talked about reason is what the Bible calls “vain imaginations.”

“…but they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21).

Vain imaginations are empty thought patterns… reasonings that are disconnected from God.

They’re dangerous because they pull you away from the truth.

And if you don’t confront them, they will redirect you away from the life God calls you to live.

Vain imaginations can come in many forms.

And they show up whenever you begin to:

– Give way to fear
– Defer to desires
– Speculate about situations or outcomes
– Become preoccupied with others’ opinions
– Put your own reasoning above what God says

When this happens, you begin following a narrative that deviates from reality.

That rewritten reality will take you off course.

And put you in a position where you rationalize choices or justify conduct you know is of the mark.

So what can you do to overcome these vain imaginations when they arise?

1. Identify them

2. Challenge them

3. Replace them with truth

The main thing is to stay anchored in truth. Reality.

So when you catch a thought that isn’t true, address it.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Vain imaginations are constant threat in the battle for your mind.

You must contend with them if you’re going to live the life God has for you.

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