
Automaticity
- The brain develops neural pathways and learns to automate repeated tasks
- Once tasks are automated we don’t think much about them - we just do. Whether good or bad.
Key Thoughts
If we don’t control what we think,
We’ll never control what we do.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
2 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.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Slightly Different Translation …
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
8 … if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things.
Psalm 119:15 (NIV)
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
Psalm 143:5 (NIV)
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
Objectives of Christian “Meditation:”
1. Fix mind on God
2. Fill mind with truth.
Meditating = Rewiring the Brain
Key Takeaways
Ways to Rewire Your Brain
1) Recognize Your (Negative) Rut
2) Dig a “Trench of Truth” (i.e. Make a Declaration Statement)
3) Learn to Meditate
1) Recognize Your Rut
a) Train Your Mind Toward Truth:
- What stronghold is holding you back?
- Wrong mindset is holding you hostage?
- What truth demolishes that stronghold?
b) Identify Where Your Wires Are Crossed
(i.e. not fixed on God or filled with God’s truth)
2) Dig a Trench of Truth & 3) Meditate
Create new neural pathways by renewing mind w/ Scriptural truth.
- Identify Scriptural Truth that Counters the Negative Rut
- Write It
- Think it
- Confess It
- Repeat It
- … Until You Believe It …