How to Change Your Brain

Following his detailed and enlightened explanation of the mysteries of the gospel in the book of Romans, Paul begins the twelfth chapter with straightforward and practical application: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). Just what does it mean for one to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind”? Since the gospel is the most important truth we can know, and since Paul instructs that “renewing our minds” is at least one proper response to the gospel, it is critical that we understand exactly what this means and how we must seek to do so. The following story provides a helpful explanation of this practice.

Doctors Avi Karni and Leslie Ungerleider of the National Institute of Mental Health did a fascinating study asking subjects to perform a simple motor task—a finger-tapping exercise. As subjects tapped, the doctors conducted an MRI to identify what part of the brain was being activated. The subjects then practiced the finger-tapping exercise daily for four weeks. At the end of the four-week period, the brain scan was repeated. In each instance, it revealed that the area of the brain involved in the task had expanded. That simple task—finger-tapping exercise—literally recruited new nerve cells and rewired neuronal connections.

Just as any repetitive practice causes one’s brain to expand patterns for new and expanded use, so Paul instructs that God commands us to form new patterns for thinking by a repeated and deliberate exposure to His Word. As one has a regular intake of Bible reading and study, he literally begins to take on a new way of thinking—he thinks the very thoughts of God! When we read Scripture, we are recruiting new nerve cells and rewiring neuronal connections. In a sense, we are downloading a new operating system that reconfigures the mind. When we read Scripture, we engage in spiritual tapping. Our brains are rewired in alignment with the Word, and we develop the mind of Christ. We think His thoughts.

Yet, for many, reading the Bible is an overwhelming and daunting task. Even the most avid readers typically only tackle books which are 200 to 250 pages in length. Depending upon the size of the lettering, an average copy of the Scriptures is 1,200 pages in length. Most enjoy reading material that is at least somewhat current in authorship; yet, the New Testament is now nearly 2,000 years old, while some of the Old Testament is nearly twice as old. At least one more difficulty in Bible reading is its seeming irrelevancy to current times. Since cultural practices from the Bible are often so different than that of our current day, the text can often be confusing. However, in spite of these seeming insurmountable obstacles, God has revealed Himself to us by a means that otherwise seems non-miraculous—through the written Word.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

So, what are some practical steps by which we can read the Bible in such a way that our minds are being reprogrammed or renewed to think God’s thoughts?

1) Set a place and a time.

The most important matters to life are rarely unplanned. So, one cannot expect to appreciate the Scriptures unless an appropriate and deliberate setting is in place. Distractions should be limited. The early morning hours typically provide the best atmosphere. Eric Liddle, Olympic Gold medalist and missionary to China during World War II, was deterred and eventually died in a prison camp, living out his days in the most deplorable of conditions. Yet, he maintained an amazing witness for Christ, due in no small part to his attention to the daily intake of God’s Word. He made it a practice to get up as early as needed to spend time in the Scriptures.

Anyone who, neglecting that fixed hour of prayer, [will] say he can pray at all times, but will probably end in praying at no time.—Eric Liddle

2) Utilize the proper tools.

Pick a Bible version that is readable, but does not distort the original meaning of the text. There are many good versions available. Though not an exhaustive list, these are some of those versions: English Standard, New American Standard, Holman Christian Standard, New International, King James, New King James, New Living Translation, along with several others. As you read, have pen and paper handy for notetaking. Many good Bibles are now available which will provide commentary and explanation. Such an important investment may be costly, but well worth the reward—now and in eternity.

3) Ask the right questions.

The Bible is not simply a historical document, a novel, or a quick index for life’s most complicated questions. Every book of the Bible has a theme, written by a particular author, and to a specific audience. While the gospel of Jesus is the overarching subject of all the Bible, one must grasp the overall context of a passage for proper understanding. Every verse of Scripture has a concrete and applicable meaning. Learn to read the Bible in a thought-provoking manner so that the meaning is clearly grasped.

4) Develop a passion.

If you were travelling to an unknown destination, along a route which was unfamiliar, you would undoubtedly study carefully the proper directions. If you were sick with a serious illness, you would listen carefully to the doctor’s prescription and follow it precisely so as to get well. How much more should we pay close attention to the only direction and cure for our souls?

How often do we face problems, temptation and pressure? How often do we need instruction, guidance and greater encouragement? How often do we need to see God’s face, hear his voice, feel his touch, know his power? Every day!—John Blanchard, How to Enjoy Your Bible

5) Invite the Holy Spirit in your quest.

The reading and study of God’s Word is a spiritual pursuit. God alone can properly guide. God has given His Holy Spirit so that we might know Him (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). As we humbly, faithfully, and obediently ask Him, He will help us to understand His Word and apply it to our lives.

Jason