It is human imagination because it is a supernatural skill enabling people to transcend beyond environmental boundaries so that they can dream about a better life (Paraphrased from Chaper 3 of How People Change). With all the reflection on the stated quote, it becomes evident how vital imagination can be. One thing that makes imagination extremely crucial and important is that it is both wondrous and scary. That is why because of imagination people have the hope, success, and inspiration for achieving their goals in life. Humans have the ability to imagine things that are non-existent and therefore enable them to think that they are capable of doing something meaningful. It is also imagination that enables people to bond with each other and the whole world.
The part of the quote which should also not be overlooked is the idea of a danger of the gift itself. The ability of imagining something that could happen does have moral consequences due to the fact that the gift is intrinsically tied to the state of the heart of the person. Dreams are not abstract images which appear in one's mind as dreams depend on the condition of the soul of the dreamer. That being said, in light of this realization, I understand that my dreams of the future are not purely innocent and virtuous; rather, they contain elements of greed and wickedness. In turn, this knowledge makes me aware of the possible danger of my imagination as a field where virtue and vice struggle for control over me. If my dreams are taken over by sin, it means that I shall be tempted to lose my humility and integrity.
Indeed, this statement on dreaming is highly accurate. To be precise, it is reminiscent to me since at this point in my life, there are numerous choices that are influencing the dreams that I have. For instance, I was informed that in the next one year from now, I will be graduating from Presbyterian Theological Seminary College and Advanced Studies and consequently find myself in a tough situation where I can either join law school to gain financially or start working right away after completing my college education. This is definitely an illustration of the challenges to my dreams that I have to overcome. In the process of striving to fulfill my destiny as a lawyer, is it the desire to earn or just the desire to fulfill my destiny? Though all along I have been dreaming of a good paying job to support my family members, such dreams should not be motivated by greed but honesty and love.
Now, at this stage of my life, I can see that the dreams I make are subject to the dangers that were noted in the quote above. For example, my dreams may be easily replaced by greed and materialism if I let them overpower the desire for success, fame, and luxury. Similarly, the feeling of uncertainty may turn out to be a manifestation of despair due to which I lose all hope and faith and fail to uphold my moral values. It seems to me now that imagination needs to be taken with great responsibility since it shows the best and darkest sides of what I dream about. Therefore, if I lack honesty and faith in God and His creations, I will surely become a prisoner of my own imagination and desires.
On the contrary, I derive satisfaction from the knowledge that even my dreams reflect my faith as well. Every time I dream about helping other people, advocating for justice, and assisting my community, there is always some reflection of God working through me. The message conveyed in the statement implies that not only do the dreams of a person reflect his faith, meaning that the hope of his dreams is based on the assurance that the plans of God work through him, but this may get distorted as well if the sins of a person determine what happens in his dreams.
As I reflect on whether I should join law school or find employment, I am cognizant of the fact that there are also sacrifices involved in both options and their respective moral considerations. Should I consider a career in law, it would be implied that I am devoted entirely to the cause of justice, an attribute that goes well with my religion’s emphasis on serving the poor and disadvantaged members of society. On the other hand, if I opt for employment, I can either justify myself by saying that I aim to provide for my family, but I might also come off as being engrossed in material things. Both scenarios are easily conceivable by me, but I should always be reminded that choosing one path does not automatically make it right or wrong, since the good in what I see depends on the moral compass of my soul.
Being aware of the tendency of the imagination to be influenced by sins makes me morally accountable. Being aware of the fact that the imagination of mine belongs to me but it is intertwined with my morality makes me aware of the fact that the process of imagining on my part is connected with the morality of mine. Should there be dreams of mine to succeed in life, it will be necessary to realize what price one should pay for realizing such dreams of mine. Should there be greed and pride in my aspirations, I would definitely lose my humbleness and love to God.
Conclusion
In summary, the above passage is a reminder that imagination, as divine as it is, holds much potential as well as dangers. This is because imagination opens up my innermost self; it allows me to see my faith and my sins. The realization of this statement comes at a critical point in my life because it is now that I need to decide whether to follow law or work. Nevertheless, whatever decision I choose, it is important that I use my imagination with moral wisdom and humility. In this way, I can use imagination in its most intense way, not to commit sins but to fulfill divine purposes through my dreams.
