Our Mind Renews
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Dr. Caroline Leaf, in her book Switch on Your Brain, explained, “The scientific power of our mind to change the brain is called epigenetics and spiritually it is as a man thinks so is he (Prov. 23:7). The way the brain changes as a result of mental activity is scientifically called neuroplasticity, and spiritually, it is the renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2.)1
If we change our thinking, we change the wiring in our brain, thereby renewing our mind. The brain’s neural circuits rewire according to how we think. When we stop thinking about the toxic thought, the associated neural connections in our brain, begin breaking down making it more difficult to access the toxic thought. When we start thinking Godly thoughts our minds begin new thoughts and destroying old sinful thoughts. How could a person change without having the mind changing worldly sinful thoughts and replacing them new Godly thoughts?
“Science and Scripture both show that we are wired for love and optimism,” said Dr. Leaf. “Toxic thinking will change your brain wiring in a negative direction and throw your mind and body into stress, which affects our body’s natural healing capacities. . . . Research shows that 75 to 98 percent of mental, physical, and behavioral illness comes from one’s thought life. . . Taking this to a deeper level, research shows that DNA actually changes shape according to our thoughts. . . . Studies have shown that thinking and feeling anger, fear, unforgiveness, and frustration caused DNA to change shape according to thoughts and feelings.”2
“Recent brain research by Dr. Newburg at the University of Pennsylvania has documented that all forms of contemplative meditation were associated with positive brain changes – but the greatest improvements occurred when participants mediated on a God of love. Such mediation was associated with growth in the pre-fontal cortex (the part of the brain right behind the forehead where we reason, make judgments and experience Godlike love) and subsequent increased capacity for empathy, sympathy, compassion and altruism. But here’s the most astonishing part. Not only does other-centered love increase when we worship a God of love, but sharp thinking and memory improve as well. In other words, worshipping a God of love actually stimulates the brain to heal and grow.” 3 Our brains will renew to the ways of God till the day we die.
Today be aware of what you are thinking and make an effort to change any negative thoughts such as anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, worry, or failure. Give those thoughts to God and seek to change your thoughts to victory and success. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7)
Prayer: Lord, guide my thoughts today and removing any negative thoughts and replace with Godly thoughts of love and hope. In Jesus name, Amen
Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain (Ada, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 56
Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain (Ada, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 33-35
Timothy Jennings, MD, The God Shaped Brain (InterVarsity Press, 2013), 27