Monkey Think Monkey Do, Or Thinking God’s Thoughts

Monkey think, monkey do. Scientists recently went “ape” over wiring together multiple monkey brains to make one “organic computer.” An article by Carl Engleking reports the networking of rats and monkeys to produce “simple tasks and computations better than an animal flying solo.” After several tests, three monkeys were wired together with the goal of moving a computer-simulated arm to a ball, in three dimensions. The monkeys “learned to coordinate their brain signals and moved the arm to the right place.”

In many ways our culture is programming people to think alike. However, unless people thinking the same are thinking correctly, all kinds of problems result. We must learn to think like Christ. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts…For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts…” More important than linking heads together is for each individual to think correctly. For this to happen people need to be “wired” to the word of God, taking in spiritual truth. They must be sensitive to the “signals” of God’s Holy Spirit, and “…transformed by the renewing of {their} mind…”(Romans 12:2).

The monkeys in the study had to be programmed to think certain ways. As Christians, we also need to program our minds with biblical truth. The big difference is that we can choose how we think. We can make choices, by what we look at and listen to, that will result in us thinking God’s thoughts. It is not easy to do; it requires time and discipline, and sometimes “force feeding” our thoughts. It is possible, though, with the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, and scientists say it is feasible to literally rewire one’s brain with new ways of thinking. To take this one step further, just as the monkeys were programmed to accomplish certain tasks “better than one” by itself, if more Christians had the “mind of Christ” all networking together, think how much could be accomplished for the Kingdom of God.

How are some ways Christians can rewire their thinking to be more conformed to Christ?

1. Have a consistent intake of Bible reading, and meditate on biblical truth.

2. Jot down verses on 3 by 5 cards that are impressed upon your mind and heart as you read scripture. Memorize these verses.

3. Listen to Christian radio and television.

4. Read books that will take your thinking to a higher level.

5. Be very selective in what you look at and listen to, even with “Christian” media. The Bible should be your source of correct thinking by which everything else is measured.

What are some areas in your life that need to be programmed to think like Christ? Which one of the above suggestions would you find most helpful in doing that?