Thinking Wise

Getting your brain around the brain is difficult. Do you want to know something mind-blowing? Did you know that the cerebral cortex of the human brain contains roughly 15-33 billion neurons (depending on gender and age) linked with up to 10,000 synaptic connections each? Each cubic millimeter of cerebral cortex contains roughly one billion synapses (a lot of stars!). These neurons communicate with one another by means of long protoplasmic fibers called axons, which carry trains of signal pulses called action potentials to distant parts of the brain or body and target them to specific recipient cells.

Wow! This is God's handiwork on display. Isn't He amazing?

So, as you are learning all you can about a variety of areas in college, focusing on a specific major, hopefully you are growing in wisdom, too. Think about it. Your brain in the hands of God holds so much potential for His glory. Wilder Penfield said, "The brain is the organ of destiny. It holds within its humming mechanism secrets that will determine the future of the human race."

Everything starts in your mind. First Corinthians 8:1-2 says, "We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know."

College can be a wonderful experience, but it's a place where knowing what you believe is very important. When you come to know God at a personal and intimate level deep in your core, the Bible tells us we get a brand new way of thinking about life. It says, "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" (Rom. 12:2). This renewal of our minds starts with a pure focus on Jesus. Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, we can depend on Him for all wisdom and understanding (Heb. 13:8-9).

Proverbs tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Prov. 9:10). So wisdom starts with a healthy awe (or fear) of God. As you walk through your college experience, look for ways not only to grow in knowledge of subject areas, but also in wisdom. It starts with a healthy humbling before a highly relational God.