A Terrible Thing to Waste

I remember that commercial from years ago, Lord.  Sponsored by a particular college or university, reaching out to its potential target market.  Students who might be considered “at risk.”

“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

You reminded me today of the flip side of that statement:

“The mind is a powerful thing to harness!”

I read about a scientific study today involving two groups of people, none of whom had ever played the piano.

Both groups were introduced to some basic instruction in how to play a simple tune.  One group was then asked to practice that tune on a piano — i.e., implement the instructions — two hours every day for five days.  The other group was asked to just think about the instructions — i.e., to “practice” them in their minds without ever touching a piano key.

Brain scans were done before and after the implementation phase, to measure changes in the area of the brain controlling motor function.  The results were pretty startling.

The brain scans of the two groups after the study were virtually identical!  In both cases, the brain area controlling motor function had grown!  Taking concrete action was not required to produce the physical brain changes!  Just thinking about it changed the brain physically!

WOW.  The mind truly IS a powerful thing to harness!!!

Is that why You so strongly encourage us, Lord, to bring our thoughts into alignment with Your thoughts???

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Is that what the philosopher Descartes was getting at when he spoke about the power of our thoughts to mold who we are???

“I think, therefore I am.”

Is that why You make it abundantly clear, Lord, that the real battleground is the one located between our ears???

“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)

We are only just beginning to understand the fullness of these truths… aren’t we, Lord?  Science is only just beginning to “catch up” with the miraculous, God-designed wonder of our brains and our bodies.

Like the effect of Gratitude on certain hormones.  Stimulating the release of Dopamine, which increases our sense of pleasure. Reducing levels of Cortisol (the stress hormone) and Cytokine (the inflammation hormone).  Reducing our blood pressure.  Boosting our immune system.

How many illnesses and diseases are associated with stress and inflammation???  Illnesses like Rheumatoid Arthritis and countless others.

Could the long-term, daily infusion of mega-doses of Vitamin G — GRATITUDE! — tangibly impact such conditions???  Even suppress tumor growth???  Animal studies have shown that higher stress hormone levels stimulate tumor growth.  Could the same be true for us, Lord???

“Finally… whatever is true… noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things… And the peace of God will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:8-9)

Mind-blowing, Lord!!!

Mind Blessing!!!

Abba’s Girl 

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *