We often live imaginary lives. We compare ourselves to others and only look at the good and blessings that others get and then only look at the bad we receive.
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
If we listen to our self-love, we shall estimate our lot less by what it is, than by what it is not; shall dwell on its hindrances, and be blind to its possibilities; and, comparing it only with imaginary lives, shall indulge in flattering dreams of what we should do, if we had but power; and give, if we had but wealth; and be, if we had no temptations. J. Martineau
Imaginary Lives
We often live imaginary lives. We compare ourselves to others and only look at the good and blessings that others get and then only look at the bad we receive. We then rearrange the circumstances of our lives and try to imagine if everything was just perfect. The Bible makes it very clear this is not a wise approach. When you live in a fantasy world, you have fantasy characters that just do not exist. As frail humans, we need to work with what we have at hand. What we have is a sinful nature that makes mistakes, gets back up and goes at it again. No body has a perfect life with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Love of Self
What really causes people to live imaginary lives is a love of self and a disdain for others. As Brother Martineau wisely states, we look at what God has given us as less than it really is and we also take for granted the graces that God has given to us and value those of little worth. When you start to compare yourself and your lot in life to that of others, the reason this is it is not wise is because we often do not judge rightly. We only look at the good things that some receive and fail to look at all the bad they have. When God brings a trial or trouble in our life, we disdain that because we love the comfort that self provides. We focus on the trials rather than what God is trying to do THROUGH the trial. When we start looking at what God is trying to do in our lives rather than having all the comforts of this world, we can begin to grow as a Christian. You have to first deny self in order for this to happen. You need to quit looking at everything bad that happens as a curse and rather see it as a blessing of God.
Right Dreams
We need to have the right kind of dreams and imaginations. Imagining what God can do in our lives, thinking of the love that God had towards us, and counting the blessings that we do have is good. We need to look at what God has spared us from and where we could be if we did not get saved when we did. We need to thank God for the people he has brought into our lives. We need to dream of heaven and the millienial kingdom. We need to think about the righteousness of God we have received in Jesus Christ. That is a real dream. That is not an imaginary life but rather a real life. That is because those are the things that really happened to you. Quit thinking about all the “what ifs” in life and think about what God has already done. Quit living an imaginary life and live a real one in Jesus Christ.
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