Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. (NIV)

Neuroplasticity: Neu·ro·plas·tic·i·ty

Have you heard of this incredible wonder? It’s so much more complex and fascinating than I’m capable of explaining, but essentially, neuroplasticity means that our brains are moldable, and form deep pathways based on our repeated thoughts. 

The Apostle Paul knew about this “superpower” before it was even a word, giving us another way in which modern scientific discoveries echo what was written in scripture thousands of years ago. He knew that our minds are actually capable of changing, based on our behaviors and thought patterns. 

This intricate ability to change can work for our benefit or our harm, and is a reminder that although sticks and stones can break our bones, words and thoughts can also deeply hurt. Words we call ourselves and the ideas we dwell on have great power. They turn from thoughts into beliefs, and those beliefs ultimately determine how we live and how we treat others.

Have you ever thought of yourself as unloved or unwanted? Maybe you even have today. 

Our sin does make us unlovely, and we feel the effects of it daily. But in Christ, God sees us as lovely. We may feel unwanted or unloved, but He tells us in His Word that He does love us and wants relationship with us. Jesus literally died to show us just how much He cherishes us.

So how do we change those stubborn thought ruts running laps in our brains? The Apostle Paul gives us the formula with these words: True. Honorable. Just. Pure. Lovely. Commendable. Excellence. Worthy of Praise. We must keep these things - these weighty, lifegiving things - always on our minds. We must look for them as if they were a hidden treasure, and keep them on repeat like a favorite song.

Our minds and our lives will be molded by something, so let’s tap into the beauty of neuroplasticity and cling to what is true, lovely, and worthy of praise. The Gospel redeems us; let’s let it redeem our thoughts, too.

Written by LeeAnn Randall