Set Me Free: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

SET ME FREE FROM COMPULSIONS: FANTASY

Pretending and fantasy are integral to the Disney World® experience. In fact, Disney coined the term "imagineering" to describe the way in which its writers and designers and artists construct wonderful imaginary realities on a grand scale.

Pretending makes Disney World work. Too much pretending in your day-to-day life, however, can make you spiritually sick. A woman who invites her boyfriend to move in with her might only be fantasizing that he is committed to her. She might imagine that having his baby will bond him to her forever. A man might fantasize that the models in his porn magazines really do desire him, and he comes to find more satisfaction in pretending with his virtual babes than in actually building a real relationship with a real woman.

A woman wants a loving home so badly that she puts up with verbal and physical abuse, redefining what "normal" is just to keep the illusion alive. "He who chases fantasies lacks judgment" (Proverbs 12:11).

How can you be set free from sinful fantasy? Listen. Listen to the Word of your God. His Word is always true and healthy, even though it is sometimes not fashionable or cool. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Listen to the advice of people who have earned the right to tell you things you may not want to hear.