We must never use our imagination in the manner prescribed by the current "imaging" or "positive thinking." While these practices may appear to at least border on the truth they actually are separated from the right kind of imagining by an uncrossable gulf.

The believer who is attempting to gain his or her desires by imaging or positive thinking is endeavoring to manipulate the natural world by supernatural means. This is not biblical faith. It is an occult practice and must be renounced thoroughly by the Christian who has attempted to operate this type of soulish power.

It is true that the fallen nature of man has dormant supernatural powers, powers that at one time may have been his to enjoy. But in Christ we are to have nothing whatever to do with attempts to employ the latent power of the soul, whether in mind reading, predicting the future, or gaining wealth. As we have said, we are to renounce vehemently and diligently any exercise of metaphysical wisdom or power we have been deceived into practicing.

To try to affect our circumstances by imagining change is a wrong use of our God-given imagination.

The right use of imagination is an important part of true faith in Jesus Christ.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

We are saved by hope. Faith is "being sure of what we hope for." Think about it. In order to hope for something we have to picture it in our mind. We are hoping that some day we will actually possess that which we desire so intensely.

One can see immediately the role of imagination in the program of hope.

One can see also how different hope is from imaging and positive thinking. In the one we are looking to God, being certain because of His Word or what He has spoken to us that some day He will give us the desired object or situation.

But imaging and positive thinking are an attempt to apply the soulish power of the adamic nature in order to get what we want. Whether or not we make such an effort in Jesus' name has nothing to do with it. It still is a case of trying to exercise supernatural power rather than calling on the Lord that He may answer our prayer.

The first is the patient waiting on the will of God which characterizes the true Christian life.

The other is an occult practice in which we try to control the world through the power of imagination. Let us always keep in mind that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Administrator of the resources of the Kingdom of God. We are not to attempt to administrate the things of the Spirit apart from the express direction of the Lord in every instance. We are not to try to "send out angels on assignment" or engage in any of the administrative acts currently being presented to the believers as the will of the Lord.

To be continued.