Studies have shown that learning new things and exposing yourself to new experiences play an important role in creating new brain connections. As we generate new thoughts and learn new things our neurons, which most folks call brain cells, send signals to neighboring neurons creating new network connections.
These connections have the potential to enhance our memory, our ability to succeed in education, our work performance, and more. Even though creating new network connections is particularly essential when we are young, the process doesn’t exclude adults.
Unfortunately, there are also ways to negatively impact these brain connections. Inactivity and negative experiences over an extended period of time have the potential to prune or break away existing connections if unused. I envision the inactivity as junctures connected to loss, negative thinking, repetitive routines, or a toxic environment.
All of these experiences may be indicators that an individual’s future will look just like their present, if unchanged. The juncture connected to learning new things has the potential to unleash breakthroughs past the “same ole – same ole” lack of growth.
Take the 12 disciples for example. The apprenticeship program they enrolled in to become followers of Jesus was the first of its kind. Everything about it caused them to encounter new experiences, concepts, and knowledge to create neuron growth. Each day of learning was filled with the expectation to learn more. They grew in knowledge and branched out their faith-networks.
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Although invisible to the human eye, it would be the most monumental training they would ever dare to achieve. What they learned was revolutionary.
They were being pruned from the old path of following the law apart from Jesus, and connected to the new path where they would have direct relationship with Christ and be indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
Before Christ, they were ordinary men carrying out traditional and habitual tasks. With Christ, they became extraordinary men with new network connections empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This before and after transformation is now available to all of us, because Jesus super-sized their connection by dying on the cross and rising again so that all men will be able to find their way home.
The potential for a full life still exists. An aged adult over 70, a barren life, a struggling community, and especially a dead looking career can be attached to life-giving roots raring to sprout up a fresh start and new faith-networks. Active faith-networks bear witness to the glory of God.
People will know by your responses that your faith-networks are created for something that’s eternal, never-ending, and unceasing. People will see that you are wired beyond yourself and this world.
Romans 8:17, also reminds us that as children of God we share God’s path. It’s a path of good and sometimes suffering “with” him, but if you stay the course it leads from your earthly home to your heavenly home.
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Brenette Wilder of Lee’s Summit, Mo., (formerly of Altheimer, Ark.), is president of Kansas City Teen Summit and blogs at wordstoinspire105953116.word-press.com.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles to shope@adgnewsroom. com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.