Romans 8:6-8, English Standard Version

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. “

I never had allergy reactions because of weather changes while I was living in my homeland; it is a city filled with buildings and highways. Now I am living among trees and plants, a place we would consider the countryside. Because of this, my immune system has reacted differently, whether due to the changing weather or even our little puppy dog.

In early April, as spring begins to come, the fluid that builds up behind my ear really affects me. My nurse practitioner recommended a new medication, and one of the side effects is drowsiness. Because of that, it keeps me in a very deep sleep and makes it hard to get up in the morning. Through this situation, God began to teach me something. An inspiration came to my mind: if I do not use my head (my mind) to think properly and in the right way, I cannot manage the function of my body in a proper way.

Let’s look at some scenarios that scientists have studied about how the brain decides when you are hungry (a summary from various health reports):

Mental (Hedonic) Hunger: This is emotional hunger, triggered by stress, boredom, or habits rather than a true need for calories.Food Noise: Constant, intrusive thoughts about what or when to eat, often influenced by environmental cues (seeing or smelling food), stress, or boredom.

Brain Structures: The hypothalamus regulates hunger, while the cortex processes sensory cues (sight and smell) from the environment.

“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:5-6, NKJV)

Our brain is the control center of the movement of our body, just as our mind leads and controls our decisions. (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2) If we do not discipline our mind, it can send the wrong signals that bring harm to our body, just as some of these scenarios can lead to overeating.

If we look at a bigger picture with a kingdom mindset, Christ is the Head. How wonderful it is when the Body functions fully according to the Head, in His will! So whether as individuals or as the Body of Christ, this is the time for us to take captive the thoughts of our mind and make them obedient to Jesus!