“My brain’s not braining!” This trendy phrase is popular and funny, probably because it is relatable. But is it true? Are our actions and emotions the fault of our brains? As Christians, how do we divide and discern through the influx of information and buzzwords surrounding mental health, neurodiversity, self-care, therapy, and medicine, and develop a cohesive and sound view that translates into daily life and counseling? In the following articles, we will use a series of questions to examine the relationship between the mind and the brain, relate both to our following of Christ, and endeavor to formulate conclusions about the mind and medicine that are both biblical and informed.

Question: How do I think through the concepts of physical (including brain) imbalances and injury and how that instructs a person’s behavior?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

Conclusion: Where the brain goes, the mind doesn’t have to follow.

Tangibly, in traumatic or acquired brain injury, chronic pain, or serious diagnoses of organ dysfunction, the combination of disease and treatment can certainly cause great disturbance in thought pattern, voluntary/involuntary action, sleep, relational ability, work ability, etc.

Less tangibly, hormonal fluctuations such as in pregnancy or perimenopause can lead to physical changes such as insomnia or bloating, which can cause heightened stress levels, a propensity to anxious thoughts, irritability, or sensitivities to smell and sound.

Even less tangibly, the circumstances that God allows in someone’s life, or the environment in which a person is raised or surrounded by, can be factors that increase one’s propensity towards addictive, abusive, or disordered thoughts and actions.

It is never a counselor’s place to overlook or diminish any of these factors, whether tangible or intangible. However, there must be a distinction between cause and correlation. Arguably, almost none of these factors directly cause a person to act in sin. God created the brain as the organ at the center of the nervous system. Among other things, the brain regulates body functions, initiates movement, and interprets senses. Each of us has developed and acquired capacities and synapse pathways unique to our own brains.

However, the Bible is clear that we are not victims of our brains and their neurons. The brain allows us to think, learn, plan, and problem-solve, but it neither forces us to do those things nor instructs us on how to carry them out. We have a choice and responsibility to align our inner man with God’s will and way (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:2). Dr. Ed Welch in his book, Blame it on the Brain, says it this way:

“At the level of the brain, this unity suggests that the heart or spirit (i.e. mind) will always be represented or expressed in the brain’s chemical activity. When we choose good or evil, such decisions will be accompanied by changes in brain activity. This does not mean that the brain causes these decisions. It simply means that the brain renders the desire of the heart [or mind] in a physical medium. It is as if the heart always leaves its footprints on the brain.”

There is an area in the middle part of the brain called the anterior midcingulate cortex. This area is particularly important in decision control and motivation. It has been referred to as a gear shift of sorts. Following trauma, this area can go through atrophy or disorganization, similar to being stuck in one gear. However, studies show that choosing to do the next positive thing, even if it is something small like getting out of bed or taking a shower, strengthens the anterior midcingulate cortex. Positive choices shift it into forward gear and equip us so that the next choices become easier. Choosing to do hard things despite suffering changes us physically and enables us to endure and persevere (James 1:4).

For many years in our home, we reminded ourselves of this truth with the following quote: Choices first, feelings follow. It is our mind – the God-given faculty within us that encompasses our will, understanding, and feeling, that should lead the way in our thoughts, in how we regulate our actions, and in our emotions.

Question: Can the mind really change brain activity? How do my daily habits and thought patterns affect me?

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Conclusion: Mindful patterns can affect your brain.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new information, environments, and experiences. Should an area of the brain become damaged, the brain has the ability to transfer the functions or jobs that area of the brain was responsible for to another area of the brain that is undamaged. This type of neuroplasticity is functional neuroplasticity. Another type of neuroplasticity is structural neuroplasticity. This refers to change in the actual structure of the brain as a result of learning or repeated patterns. Thoughts and actions fire patterns that can get physically denser or stronger over time. At the same time, patterns or pathways that are ignored or no longer used get weaker and eventually eliminated. The brain is an efficient program – it uses synaptic pruning to naturally strengthen the synaptic pathways that get used or activated and do away with unused or excess pathways.

Neuroplasticity does vary by age and from person to person. However, the implications cannot be ignored. We are not victims to our past patterns, thoughts, or actions. We can choose to learn new things and form new behavioral and thought patterns. Essentially, we become what we think. Repeatedly choosing to “put on” biblical thoughts and “put off” unbiblical thoughts can truly transform both our minds and our brains!

It is important to note that many factors, both internal and external, affect the level of neuroplasticity and synaptic pruning in an individual. These processes also take time. Therefore, while transformation of the mind and brain simply through biblical thought replacement is ideal, there are times when the use of medication is truly necessary so that process can begin and/or continue.

Having explored the confluence of our physical brain and our spiritual mind, we should be able to speak about these issues and encourage ourselves and our counselees in a more informed manner. Transformation is possible! Yet, we must also develop practical perspectives and strategies for the implementation and support of spiritual transformation. We endeavor to briefly discuss how transformation and glorifying God can relate to medicine and our physical bodies.