Christian Education and the Brain

The mind is a precious gift that God has given to man. The Bible gives us principles for effectively using our minds for maximum efficiency and success in our Christian life and service.

A marvelous mind is a precious gift that God has given to man. How we use our minds and respond to God’s grace determines the type of life we live, our happiness, and our future service for the Lord. The Bible gives us principles for effectively using our minds for maximum efficiency and success in our Christian life and service. Essential to the functioning of the mind, in our life on earth, is the brain through which the miraculous mind operates.

The brain is probably the most intricate mechanism that God created. The wonder and complexity of the human brain defies all imagination. Although the average brain weighs three pounds, it does most of its work through the neurons, which are too small to be measured. The latest estimate of the number of neurons in the brain is from 50 billion to 100 billion. These neurons carry millions of signals, and the electrochemical reaction that occurs in the gaps between neurons–called synapses–happens millions of times daily in a person’s thought process. As Richard Restak states in his book The Brain, "The total number of connections within the vast network of the brain’s neuronal system is truly astronomical."

The main control panel of the brain is the hypothalamus, which is a link between the body and the brain. It is situated just at the base of the brain and the top of the spine and controls the basic drives of the body, such as sex and hunger. In addition, the hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland, which governs the production and circulation of hormones for the body. The hypothalamus is also the switchboard mechanism for all the nerves of the body, transmitting impressions from the five senses and from the various organs of the body. No one is fully aware of the complexity and minuteness of this feeding of information to the brain. It is thought that even the individual components of the hormone system are measured and secreted according to the needs of the body and the immune system.

The brain is the only organ in the body that cannot be transplanted (if medical science could solve all the complex problems of a brain transplant) without completely changing the person, for the mind–which contains the conscience, the spirit, and the very identity of a person–resides in and operates through the brain. The brain controls every action of the body, and there is a continuous interaction between the brain and the body.

Many years ago neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield did brain research with electrical probes in human beings at the Montreal Neurologic Institute in Canada. Extensive work is being done at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, where 140 UCLA faculty members in 135 research laboratories are involved in brain research. These scientists have found that the brain contains a vast memory bank. They have discovered that if a certain part of the brain is touched, any memory can be brought to the conscious mind. This memory includes the feelings and sensations that happened at any event. They also know that when a thought is occurring, several parts of the brain are activated simultaneously so that there is a tremendous exchange of information involving most of the brain in the various thought patterns. Scientists have been unable to determine how much, if any, storage loss occurs in the memory bank.

Dr. Norman Cousins, working closely with the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, said in his book Head First, "Brain researchers now believe that what happens in the body can affect the brain and what happens in the brain can affect the body … the human brain serves as a control center for millions of messengers carrying instructions to the body’s organs without intruding on the conscious intelligence."

The brain is an organ of the body and as such is subject to injury, diseases caused by various organisms, tumors, effects of drugs, and mental attitudes that can drastically alter or diminish its functioning.

How the Mind Works

One way to describe the mind and the brain is to compare them to the advanced computer, which can work on many problems at the same time. Although this complex mechanism cannot parallel the marvelous functioning of the mind and the brain, the comparison will be made for the purposes of simplicity.

The Conscious and the Processing Mind

The authors believe that the mind is composed of two parts: the conscious mind and the processing mind, which operates through the automatic functioning of the brain and the nervous system.

The conscious mind is the decider, the programmer, or the will. The conscious mind is used to make observations, gather information, evaluate incoming data from the senses, form value judgments, and categorize information. Through major and minor decisions, the conscious mind programs into the processing mind the life directions and the goals to be achieved. The conscious mind poses and also identifies problems, but it does not solve them.

The processing mind acts as a giant computer storing information, stimuli, impressions, and ideas, all of which are cataloged and stored in the memory bank for future retrieval. Like a computer, it also solves problems, using the stored information that has been fed into it by the conscious mind. Although God has programed into the human mind certain instincts that help man to survive, man himself continually programs additional data into the processing mind. What is put into this computer determines what eventually becomes one’s life action. One can get out only what is put in.

How the mind works as it uses the brain is largely a matter of speculation and theory. Some surmise that the brain uses memory bits that are drawn from the memory bank to form thought patterns, and that these thought patterns tend to be opposites, either positive or negative, pain or pleasure, and true or false.

The conscious mind is the operator of this processing mind and determines what bits of information will be drawn from the memory bank to form these thought patterns. A person can decide which thought patterns he wants to have and which he wants to eliminate. He can refuse to think about the thought patterns that have been formed, or he can alter the thought patterns any way he decides. He can also combine some thought patterns with others to form complex thinking, including creative thinking.

Dreams

Although there is no scriptural basis for this theory, the authors’ belief is that dreams, which reveal man’s inner depravity, serve to cleanse the computer mind of unwanted thought patterns. The average person dreams five dreams a night, and these dreams are usually couched in symbols. There are no universal dream symbols, so God evidently wants to camouflage most of our dreams.

One should not try to remember or interpret his dreams but rather thank God for eliminating the corrupt or bizarre thoughts, the fear, the wish fulfillment, the tension, and the useless material from the mind.

Bible Principles for the Effective Use of the Mind

The following principles need to be learned by students so that they can use their minds more effectively.

Principle I. The Bible promises that if we trust, acknowledge, and fear God in our thinking He will direct our paths to success and victory (Proverbs 3:5,6; Joshua 1:8).

A person controls his own actions and activities and, subsequently, his life by what he thinks. He is what he thinks, for thoughts eventually are acted out in life. Man is commanded to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23), and he is reminded that "of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (Luke 6:45). "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things" (Matthew 12:35). The heart in these three verses refers to both the conscious mind and the processing mind.

Principle II. Dwelling on positive faith thoughts will result in a life of success and victory for God. This kind of thinking requires that we eliminate negative doubt thoughts (Philippians 4:8; II Corinthians 10:5).

Most thoughts are of two types: "positive faith thoughts" that are God-directed and based on the principles of the Word of God and that result in wholesome actions; or "negative doubt thoughts" that reject God, His Word, His will, and ultimately have unwholesome and sinful results. The Bible alludes to these thought patterns as either "godly thought patterns" (Philippians 4:8) — or "devilish thought patterns" (II Corinthians 10:5).

Positive Faith Thoughts

Some Christian counselors, including the authors, equate positive thought patterns with positive faith thoughts. They make this parallel on the basis that faith in God is always positive. A description of faith in the Bible indicates this connection: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The Christian has every reason to have a positive attitude because he has a firm, solid faith based on Jesus Christ and His Word. He is positive about death and eternity because of a strong faith in Jesus Christ, who is going to take him to heaven. As stated in the Gospel of John, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). He is positive about life because of the promise in the Bible that all things work together for the good of them that are called of God according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). A Christian can be positive about himself because he knows from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that he is God’s "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139). A Christian can be positive toward people because of God’s love shed abroad in his heart and his faith in God’s plan, which can change the sinner’s behavior (II Corinthians 5:17). He can be positive about provisions because he knows that God has created and prepared great and good things for the Christian (I Corinthians 2:9; Psalm 84:11).

A positive faith attitude is based on the finished work and resurrection power of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:17; Philippians 3:10) and His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Negative Doubt Thoughts

The negative doubt or devilish thoughts of rebellion, discontentment, bitterness, pride, doubt, hate, lust, and fear are to be cast out and every thought subjected to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). With Christ in his heart, a Christian should not be under the influence of the Devil’s negative thoughts regarding man’s most dominating fears: fear of death and judgment (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16; Romans 5:8), fear of defeat and lack of power (Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:20), fear of poverty (Matthew 6:31-32; Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 3:9-10), and fear of rejection and loneliness (I John 3:1-3; John 10:27-29; Ephesians 1:6-7). Although unsaved men may have partially minimized these fears in their lives, only the Christian can fully and finally defeat them. Jesus Christ took away the spirit of fear and replaced it with power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7; I John 4:18).

When there is a dependence on the grace of God, positive faith thoughts are the natural result and become a source of strength. When there is a dependence on the works of man, negative doubt thoughts arise and become a source of stress.

Principle III. Decisions determine the direction of our lives whether they are oriented toward serving God or toward serving the world (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 16:3,4; II Corinthians 10:5). Anticipation in our thinking can result in future successful situations and in overcoming temptation (II Corinthians 10:13).

The decisions that we make in various situations determine our actions. When we are indecisive, our actions are erratic and unstable (James 1:8). All decisions have temporal consequences and two decisions, salvation and dedication, have eternal consequences. In numerous places, the Scriptures give clear instruction about making godly decisions. Christians are commanded in the Bible to choose (Hebrews 11:25; Joshua 24:14), to purpose in their hearts (II Corinthians 9:7), to be renewed in the spirit of the mind (Ephesians 4:23), to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2), and to set their affections (attitudes of feeling) on things above and not on things on this earth (Colossians 3:2).

We can anticipate many future situations and decide what we are going to do. The processing mind makes no differentiation between thoughts about real situations and thoughts about anticipated experiences. For example, athletes "psych themselves up" by deciding to anticipate a winning situation, confident in their abilities and training. As a result, the processing mind works toward the goal of winning. On the other hand, by anticipating negative situations and failure, many people are programming doubt and failure into the processing mind so that when a similar situation actually occurs, the processing mind works toward the goal of failure.

The principle can be used effectively for godly success if a person will decide to anticipate possible successful situations which will honor God and determine biblical steps necessary to accomplish the successful situations.

A person can put the principle to use in overcoming temptation by thinking about a Christlike biblical response that should be given in a tempting situation.

Making up one’s mind in anticipated situations has the same effect on the processing mind as playing out an actual situation. For this reason the Bible directs Christians to meditate on the Word of God. Such meditation helps a Christian to determine how God wants him to act and react in various situations. It helps him to think through how certain "Bible Action Truths" apply in each life situation.

Principle IV. Goal setting–the mind works most effectively when it has goals, especially eternal goals, on which to focus (Proverbs 13:12,19; Philippians 3:13).

At a regular time every week, goals should be reviewed and new ones set. Large, comprehensive goals can be broken into smaller ones that can be achieved in a day or week. The majority of goals should be compassionate goals, directed toward serving God and people rather than toward self and acquiring things (Proverbs 15:9). The goals should be worthy of an investment of one’s life. Working toward such goals teaches a person to crucify self daily (Luke 9:23).

Principle V. Our processing mind can work efficiently and automatically if we program godly habits and eliminate sinful habits (Ephesians 4:22-32).

We need to eliminate all bad or unproductive habits such as excessive television watching, overeating, procrastination, or un-Christlike communication (Psalm 101:3-5; I Corinthians 8:9, 12; 9:27). We are instructed to let the Holy Spirit control our lives and our lifestyle (Ephesians 5:18-20). We are told to put off sinful habitual responses such as lying, stealing, and selfishness, corrupt conversation, wrath, bitterness, and malice. We are commanded to put on godly habits such as speaking truth in love, self-control, working to have and give, conversation which edifies, kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:22-32).

Steps to Renew the Mind and Have a Mind of Joy

The steps to renewing our mind (Romans 12:2) are found in the book of Philippians, which is the book about having the mind of joy. The word mind or think is mentioned 11 times, and joy or rejoice is mentioned 18 times. We are told in Philippians 2:5-10 to have the mind of Christ that handles problems, pressures, and temptations in a godly way, instead of a carnal, fleshly mind oriented to self, reacting in an ungodly fashion (I Corinthians 3:1-2). Having the mind of joy is detailed in Philippians 4:4-19.

Know who you are in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:6; II Corinthians 5:17).
Humble yourself and become a dedicated servant of Christ, willing to be obedient and to do anything that God requires (Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 12:1; John 14:21).
In every situation rejoice and give thanks (Philippians 4:4; I Thessalonians 5:18).
Eliminate worry by praying with thanksgiving about everything. Trust God to work it out for your good (Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 8:28).
Think God’s thoughts about everything. Put off vain imaginations and thoughts against God (Philippians 4:8; II Corinthians 10:5).
Learn to be content with your circumstances and the things that God has provided and be discontent with your spiritual growth, instead of vice versa (Philippians 4:11-12; 3:13-14; I Timothy 6:6).
Trust God to give you strength and provision to meet every challenge (Philippians 4:13, 19; I Thessalonians 5:24).

The above seven steps will become a reality in your life if you will daily meditate on the Word of God to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, and to allow Christ to conform you to His image (Philippians 3:10; Nehemiah 8:10).

Use the 4M Formula Found in Psalm 119

Mark Bible action truths during your Scripture reading (vs. 9). Memorize the verses that best represent the truths (vs. 11). Meditate on the verses throughout the day (vs. 15). Master Bible Action Truths in your daily life until they master you (vs. 17).

In conclusion, if students understand how the mind functions and follow the five principles in developing their attitudes, their actions will be right, and good feelings will follow. Feelings should be the results of actions instead of the cause of actions. If the students will follow the seven steps to renewing their mind, they can have the mind of Christian joy. The way that students think and respond to God’s grace will determine their future happiness, their lifestyle, their successful service for God, and their eternal rewards.

Excerpts for this article have been taken from Chapter 3 of the book Becoming an Effective Christian Counselor by Walter and Trudy Fremont, Bob Jones University Press, 1996, pp. 412. The first 116 pages of the book tell how to counsel. The remainder of the book discusses 35 common problems, including family problems, and their solutions.

Reprinted from Balance, a publication of the School of Education, Bob Jones University. Used with permission of Bob Jones University. Please write BJU Press, for permission to reproduce this article.