How can understanding the science of change help us approach repentance in a more effective way?
Some of you know that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Therefore, it is through that lens that this topic will be discussed. So first we need a little background information on repentance itself.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints King James Edition of the Bible includes a Bible dictionary in the appendix. Under the topic of repentance it says:
Repentance
The Greek word of which this is the translation denotes a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world. Since we are born into conditions of mortality, repentance comes to mean a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined
Using that definition of repentance, why wouldn’t we want that for ourselves and others?
So looking at the science of change can help us see more of the “conditions of mortality” that this definitions mentions.
What are the conditions of mortality and why are we “naturally inclined” to those things? Neuroscience shows us that our brains are wired in such a way that we do things that are easy and habitual. Our brains like doing things with the least amount of effort possible so it likes automation.
Sometimes we may have developed some “automations” that served us at one stage of life that are no longer serving us.
Take for example me sucking my thumb until about the age of 10. When I was younger it was a way to self-soothe and find comfort and safety for my little scared heart and brain. But the older I got it didn’t serve me to use that “automation” in the presence of others.
You could say that I “repented” of my thumb-sucking. 🙂
I had a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about myself, and about the world around me in this particular area.
What are some other things that we want to “repent” for?
We are taught to repent of our sins. Sometimes we sin because of ignorance, sometimes because of our weaknesses, and sometimes because of willful disobedience. Clearly, if we are knowingly committing sin…. lying, stealing, etc., that calls for repentance.
But what if I am generally a “good person” and trying to be honest and do all the right things, then what? Why do I need to repent?
Sometimes we may have developed some “automations” that served us at one stage of life that are no longer serving us.
I’m Michelle. I am learning how to minimize my overwhelm, perfectionism, and people-pleasing and I am ready to help you do the same. I’m a certified Life Coach and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Come with me and learn how.
Sometimes we may have developed some “automations” that served us at one stage of life that are no longer serving us.
That’s where the change of heart and mind comes in; a “fresh view” of things.
Another example:
My mortal self would be happy eating cookies and chips all day, even though that is not good for me physically, mentally, or spiritually.
I can work to change my mind about cookies and chips. Yes, they are delicious! AND if I want a “fresh view” of how to care for myself physically, mentally, and spiritually I will try eating different things and see how my body feels. I will learn what science has told me about nutrition. I will see what God has suggested. I will not always listen to my “mortal” self that wants chips and cookies…….AND sometimes I will.
Recognizing that my mortal self is not always on the same page as what God wants for me I can continue to turn my heart and will to Him, and still accept that I am mortal and will do things that don’t always serve my best interests.
When I know that science shows us that our brains are fighting against changes, even the ones I want, I can have more compassion and understanding for myself when I “fail”. Because at some point in time, I will fail….because I am human.
I am still trying to find the reference from a specific address where the speaker mentioned his goal-setting plans would be a “glorious failure”. We can make goals (plans to implement change) and just know that they will rarely if ever go the way we planned.
Ever since then, I have adopted that motto for my life. I hope to make my life a “glorious failure” because I am willing to try things, have them not work out, seek inspiration and direction on what I should do next, and try again.
That is my “fresh view” on repentance.
Science shows how my brain is working to not change and repentance is just continuing to turn and return to God and His plan for me.
What is your view on repentance?
I would love to chat with you about it! No pressure and no sales…..Just a conversation, like lunch with a friend.
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May we each find so much grace, for each other and for ourselves, as we accept ourselves right where we are while striving to become more of what God knows we are meant to become.
And let’s support one another as we “repent” by developing a change of mind and heart.
Remember…..It’s ALL good!!