There are many areas in which we receive training. Jobs, leadership, sales, skills, weight or strength training in sports, and many more. Training methods include simulators, on-the-job, and instructor-led.

While studying elementary education, my training experience included assignments as a student teacher. In both situations, I found myself becoming a ‘Mini-Me’ of the mentor teacher. I found myself mimicking their mannerisms, teaching style, and how they interacted with students. I learned by spending time observing them and then practicing what I’d seen them do.

In the same way, we learn from and are transformed as we spend time with Jesus. In order for our brain to be trained or retrained, we must spend time in His Word. Daily Bible reading, especially in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will cause us to observe how Jesus interacted with people and to learn the key lessons and values He taught.

Jesus is quoted in Luke 6:40 as saying, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Training or changing our thought patterns and behaviors is no easy task. It will require more than a two-to-six-week time investment. In fact, it will be a lifelong commitment.

The apostle Paul wrote, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Now, that takes real brain training!