A book due to be published in the UK in September entitled The Shallows: How the Internet is Changing the Way We Think, Read and Remember suggests the digital technology on which we now depend has already begun rewiring our brains. The author, Nicholas Carr, is described as,

an American commentator on the digital revolution, a blogger and a card-carrying member of the ‘digerati’ who is concerned that digital technology is already damaging the long term memory consolidation that is the basis for true intelligence.¹

There is a valid point in his thinking because we all have become dependent on our gadgets to remind us of dates, events and many other things we need to attend to. We do not have to apply our mind or engage in much thinking when we have technology that will do it for us. We are in danger of becoming a mindless society because we do not have to do much thinking. The cashiers in the supermarket don’t have to think about how much change they have to give you, the till tells them!

The Bible reminds us that it is by the renewing of our mind, not the rewiring of our brain, that we will prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2) The reference to the mind is important. Leon Morris in his commentary on Romans points out that “Paul does not envisage a mindless emotionalism, but a deeply intelligent approach to life.” The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:17 "is drawing attention to the head, to the mind, the brain, the understanding, the thinking of the Christian."²

The Battle for the Mind⤒🔗

Paul writing to the Philippians speaks of those who live as enemies of Christ and their minds being on earthly things. There are ultimately only two ways to live, either by being conformed to this age, which we are told is passing away or by following God’s will, which is good, pleasing and perfect.

There is no doubt that the new technology of the 21^st century is playing a major part in the battle for the hearts and minds of humanity. Dr Albert Mohler has written:

Like every information revolution, the rise of the new media requires Christian discernment.

Tim Challies, described as a Christian blogger, says “Any technology brings with it both risk and opportunity, though perhaps not in equal measure.”

Melvin Tinker in his book Evangelical Concerns³ says,

Evangelicals have been far more influenced by non-Christian ideas than is realised, often in a subtle fashion. They have perhaps unconsciously adopted certain ways of thinking, values and attitudes which originate not so much from the Word of God but from the World which stands in opposition to God, although such ideas may be given a Christian guise.

We are constantly reminded in Scripture to be on our guard and to love God with heart, soul and mind. How are we to prevent the rewiring of our mind?

The Christian Mind←⤒🔗

Paul tells us that it is by the renewing of our mind. We are to wear the helmet of salvation, a vital part of the Christian’s armour, as attacks upon our mind and thinking seek to undermine our very way and outlook on life. Tinker again writes:

We are engaged in a spiritual battle which centres on the mind – a battle for prepositions, beliefs and values which in turn determine our behaviour.⁴

Being transformed by the renewing of our mind suggests an ongoing process of change and transformation and a development of Christian character that displays a pattern of behaviour that conforms to God’s standards and not the standards of the world. There is an increasing worldliness creeping into the lives of many who profess to be Christians but the clear command of Scripture is “Love not the world or the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2:15) Paul tells us we are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our mind.

The practical outworking of this renewal is that we “may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Knowing God’s will for our lives is often something that confronts every Christian. What career shall I choose, whom shall I marry, will I buy that house, is God calling me into ‘full-time’ service? These are questions that many of us have encountered at some point in our spiritual pilgrimage. Sinclair B. Ferguson has written:

It is the knowledge of God and his ways with men which ultimately gives us stability in doing his will.⁵

The Bible constantly teaches us that Christians are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. We need to apply our minds to the Word of God, to feed upon it, to sit under Biblical ministry and to engage in fellowship with fellow believers.

Our knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ is something that every Christian is called upon to develop. We are to use our minds in the study of the Bible and as we work out the theological implications of the Christian faith in our personal lives. Remembering is part of that process; God has given to his people signs in order that they may recall his love and grace to them. Down through the history of God’s people the call has been to give heed, to pay attention to the Word of God. Reading it, thinking on it and remembering it is the only way to renew our mind.

Let’s be careful that it is not being rewired!