Chapter 9 - Mental Cleansing
Pack and Go
Genesis 1:26-28 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
This compares to mental cleaning—viewed as mental wellness and fostering a positive mindset—in several ways. Humans are uniquely created in God's image, which indicates they have inherent dignity, worth, and the ability for rational thought, creativity, and forming relationships.
Man was also given stewardship over the earth and its creatures, emphasizing the duty to care for and manage those resources responsibly. You are a child of God and hold inherent value. Acknowledging your worth as created in God's image can serve as a strong counter to self-criticism and negative self-talk.
Just as we are called to care for this physical world, we are also responsible to care for our mental health. This involves actively fostering a positive and healthy mindset, replacing falsehoods with truth (by studying your Bible), and promoting hope and resilience.
God’s call to subdue and have dominion should not be misunderstood as permission to exploit. In the context of being created in God's image, this phrase means establishing order from chaos and encouraging responsible growth in the world, both externally and internally. It is vital to pray to gather the strength necessary to confront and handle inner struggles like negative thoughts, anxieties, and emotional burdens that can disrupt your peace and clarity, much like managing chaos in your physical world.
Just as the earth is cultivated for growth and prosperity, nurturing a healthy mindset requires emphasizing positive thoughts, participating in prayer and worship, and building strong relationships. Additionally, you can access God's power and strength through Jesus Christ.
The Bible highlights how our mind and spirit are closely connected, influencing each other. Developing a healthy, Christ-centered mindset means aligning your thoughts with God's truth, focusing on noble and positive things, and aiming to honor God through what you think and do.
Spiritual disciplines act as tools for mental well-being. Practices such as prayer, scripture reading, and expressing gratitude and hope can greatly impact mental health by providing comfort, guidance, and peace during difficult times. Embracing a positive mindset rooted in biblical principles means trusting God's plan, even in the face of challenges and uncertainty.
Comparing Genesis 1:26-28 to mental cleansing emphasizes that, as beings created in God's image and given stewardship, we have both the ability and duty to nurture a healthy inner life. This includes appreciating oneself, confronting negative habits, and aligning our thoughts and attitudes with biblical principles, while also trusting in God's truth and guidance.
When is the last time you allowed your brain to drain? Taking time each day to ‘clean house’ mentally helps bring a positive outlook on life. Are you constantly surrounded by ‘noise’?
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What are your resources? (Think time, money, family, friends, your job, your health)
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Do you manage your resources responsibly? (Sample budgets, to-do lists, and other worksheets are available at www.NoNotOne.com)
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What spiritual disciplines do you currently do? (Read, pray, praise, worship, fellowship, serve)
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Brain Teaser #1:
Genesis 1:26-28 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
If God spoke things into existence, and you are a child of God, could your negative self-talk be self-sabotaging your life? Do you think there is any benefit to sitting in silence?
Just something to ponder… What do you think?
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Google AI Overview states:
There isn't a universally agreed-upon "magic number" of minutes of silence needed to make a difference, as the benefits can be experienced even with short bursts of quiet. However, research suggests that consistent engagement with silence, even for a few minutes, can have a noticeable impact.
Here's a breakdown of how different durations of silence can be beneficial:
Short bursts (2-15 minutes)
- Even just 2 minutes of silence can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow heart rate and lower cortisol levels, reducing stress.
- Ten minutes of sitting in silence can lead to feeling less stressed, more alert, and rejuvenated.
- Studies have shown that 10-15 minutes of meditation can improve mental clarity, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
- Spending 20-30 minutes in nature, which is often accompanied by a reduction in noise, can significantly lower stress hormones like cortisol.
More extended periods (2 hours or more)
- A study found that 2 hours of silence per day stimulated the growth of new cells in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory and emotion.
- Three days of intentional silence have been shown to functionally and physically rewire the brain, leading to improved memory, concentration, focus, and better emotional regulation.
Consistency is key
- Regardless of the session length, practicing silence consistently, even for short durations, is more important than sporadically engaging in longer sessions.
- Meditation, a form of silence practice, is similar to exercise in that regular practice leads to improved skills and benefits.
Ways to incorporate silence
- Schedule quiet time in your daily routine.
- Turn off devices and reduce background noise during daily tasks.
- Start your day with quiet reflection or meditation.
- Take short breaks in a quiet environment.
- Engage in nature walks without distractions.
- Practice mindful breathing or meditation using apps or guided sessions.
In conclusion, even a few minutes of silence can make a difference in reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. By incorporating regular periods of quiet into your daily life, you can reap significant mental and physical benefits.
Brain Teaser #2:
Brain Teaser:
Genesis 1:26-28 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Who was God referring to when He said, "Let US make man in OUR image”? Is this a glimpse of the preincarnate Christ?
Again, just something to ponder… What do you think?
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Google AI Overview states:
In Genesis 1:26, when God says "Let Us make man in Our image," the "Us" is interpreted by many Christians as referring to the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. This verse is seen as an early indication of the concept of the Trinity, where God exists as three co-equal persons in one divine being. While some interpret "Us" as God speaking to angels or other heavenly beings, the Trinitarian view emphasizes the plurality within God Himself. The idea of pre-incarnate Jesus is connected to this, as Jesus is understood to have existed with the Father before his birth on Earth.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- The Trinitarian Interpretation:
Many Christians believe that Genesis 1:26 is a clear reference to the Trinity. The "Let Us" suggests a plurality within the Godhead, and the "Our image" indicates that the creation of humanity is a joint effort of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus' Pre-existence:
The concept of Jesus' pre-incarnate existence is rooted in verses like John 1:1, which states that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This is interpreted to mean that Jesus (the Word) has always existed with the Father.
- Jesus as the Image of God:
The Bible also speaks of Jesus as the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3). This means that by observing Jesus, we can understand what it means for humans to be made in God's image.
- Other Interpretations:
While the Trinitarian view is common, some interpret "Us" as referring to God speaking to angels or other heavenly beings. Others suggest it is a royal "we" or a way of speaking to the divine council. However, these alternative interpretations are not as widely accepted within mainstream Christian theology.
- Dominion and Responsibility:
Regardless of the specific interpretation of "Us," Genesis 1:26 highlights that humans are uniquely created in God's image, giving them a special place in creation and the responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures.