This week's newsletter from Karen

Over the weekend I read an article that contained the word mindsight. I wrote the following for a lifespan development class after reading the article. 

The term mindsight was attributed to D.J. Siegel and defined as “a capacity of the mind to intentionally focus attention, monitor thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and to ultimately direct the flow of energy and information within the triangle of well-being — mind, brain, and relationships.” With this in mind, it would appear on the surface that individuals have a choice in how to react to certain situations that affect their neural health [health of the nervous system]. 

Does scripture in any way provide insight into this concept? Having a logical, scientific mindset, I am always searching for ways scripture (which by faith I believe is the inerrant Word of God) lines up with science. I did a quick search on the word mind in the Bible and found plenty of instances of its use. I was drawn to a passage in Romans which reads, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”  (Romans 8:5-8, NIV) In this passage is the word governed. Defined as “to hold in check or to control”, the passage indicates that we can hold in check or control our minds.

Using this approach, as the authors stated, is exciting to think about in the future of Christian counseling. Being able to say to a [child/parent/family member] “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8) and having my faith in the ability of God to work in their minds substantiated with the science of how it all actually works, would be very rewarding indeed.