Continuing our journey through the human body and its intelligent design, we look again at the brain.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair–every good path.

Since our brains are safely tucked inside our skulls, we have limited space for neurons. Therefore, our brains must constantly be determining what information it will keep and what information it will let go. Here is a quote from A Pocket Guide to the Human Body, page 21-22.

The brain functions like a bookshelf with limited shelf space. If you need to add more pages to one of the books, then the increase needs to come at the expense of pages from other, nearby books on the shelf.
Behaviors or senses that are used more, receive a greater allocation of space in the brain. This explains why individuals who are blind or deaf seem to have heightened sensitivity in other areas.
Neurons make an astonishing number of connections with other neurons. An adult brain has around 100 billion neurons, and just one of those neurons can make tens of thousands of connections.
Initially, neurons send out fibers to a wide target area. Those connections that are repeatedly used become stronger, while those that are unused can be lost in a process called pruning. Neurons are constantly competing with each other for targets. Over time, each neuron becomes responsible for an increasingly smaller area.

In other words, the more focused a neuron is, the more adept we are at whatever it is that the neuron does. Musical instruments are a prime example of focused neurons. The more a person plays the piano, sax, guitar, trumpet, violin, etc. the more it becomes engrained in our brain’s neurons. We call it “second nature.” Athletes experience the same thing through practice.

Since experience alters the brain in both positive and negative ways, it is all the more important to live a godly life. Perhaps this is one reason that the Apostle Paul admonished Christians how to think: “Finally, brothers, 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).

I particularly like the author’s approach to experience and repetition in our lives concerning godliness. We must practice what the Spirit shows us in order to get godliness entrenched in our brains. It is a process, a lifelong one, at that!

Tomorrow: The Seeing Eye

Abba, thank You for making us to adapt and change. I want to be like You, so change me. Your Word tells me that You are forming Christ in me (Galatians 4:19), conforming me to His image (Romans 8:29), and transforming me into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). You are amazing! Amen.