by Mike James

With winter finally over, we enter into our Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread season. During this season, we are reminded to examine (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) ourselves and figure out what elements of our character need to be changed and improved. But let's be honest with ourselves. Are you still trying to work through issues you remind yourself of during each Passover season?

Change is a difficult process. Most change takes time, and there are a variety of reasons for that. Let me give you one big reason why change is hard. Our brain's area that handles routines (the basal ganglia) requires little energy to operate effectively. A different part of the brain is used to process new information or new options (the prefrontal cortex). In a change situation, the prefrontal cortex is used much more, and it is very energy-intensive. Continual demands on its resources are uncomfortable. You have probably heard the phrase "being out of your comfort zone." That is what it relates to. We are, in a sense, wired to minimize or avoid the amount of change we are exposed to.

Some recent neuroscience research can help us a bit in making needed changes. We operate our lives based on the "mental maps" we have created. Mental maps are assumptions and beliefs that guide our behavior. To change these assumptions and beliefs, we need insight or a lightbulb over the head moment. What happens in a stroke of insight is you create a whole web of new neural connections in the brain. Does this sound familiar from a Christian perspective?

Think about the foundational element of Christianity. In Acts 2:38, we read about the need to repent first, get baptized second, and then we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now, what is repentance? Isn't it a stroke of insight telling you a change needs to occur in your life? What does the Holy Spirit do for you? I believe it connects with your human spirit (mind) which resides to some degree in your brain. I believe the Holy Spirit begins to help you make new neural connections that can promote change (Romans 8:26-27).

What's interesting about the neuroscience research is the insight has to be generated from within. A person can't be provided conclusions from the outside to implement the change. Of course, we can read things and listen to people, but real change happens by your own volition; no one can change you (Philippians 2:12). You have free will to decide what you are going to do. To get to lasting change, we have to ask insight-provoking questions. That sounds a lot to me like examining ourselves (Lamentations 3:40).

Another major point neuroscience research is making today is that we become what we pay attention to. The insight we talked about above needs to be held in focus over a period of time if it is to have a lasting impact. Once again, I ask you to think of what comes next after repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Spirit? James 1:22 tells us we must be doers of the Word. Now what does that entail?

There are a number of things the Word of God tells us to do as Christians that will help us maintain the focus to bring about a lasting change. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. We must read and study the Word of God and meditate on it. We must continue to repent and reflect on sin when it occurs. We should try to fast more often than just on the Day of Atonement. We should gather together with like-minded brethren on the Sabbath and holy days. Most importantly, we need to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).

How focused on the above activities are you? Is your Christian walk a way of life, or are you lukewarm? The intensity and focus you put into the above activities will help you make the changes you need. A half-hearted approach will not do the job.

Some neuroscientists use the phrase "attention density" to mean the amount of attention we give to mental experience over a period of time. The point is, high attention density adapts and changes the internal wiring of the brain so that new ways of thinking and behaving become second nature and routine. The researchers also say reminding people gently but frequently of their insights (through coaching and feedback) creates permanent changes in attitude and behavior.

Where can you get coaching and feedback in your Christian walk? Thru Scripture, sermons, Bible studies, and fellowship with like-minded individuals. Let's enjoy the coming holy days and keep coming back to fellowship with other like-minded brethren. If you want to make lasting change, you need to turn up the focus and intensity.

Sources:

The Effective Change Manager's Handbook, Edited by Richard Smith, David King, Ranjit Sidhu, and Dan Skelsey, (UK/USA: Kogan Page Limited, 2015), pp. 28-29.

"The Neuroscience of Leadership," by D. Rock and J. Schwarz, Strategy and Business, 43, Summer 2006, http://www.strategy-business.com/article/06207.