In psychology, the way a person thinks, feels and behaves always have a source. A triggering event or thought is often the starting point. But surprisingly enough, the trigger is not the direct cause of the consequence (meaning the way the triggering event makes them feel, what they think and the way they behave). The trigger runs through a filter called our beliefs. And, depending on what we believe, our thoughts, feelings and behavior is formed and may be helpful or unhelpful. The Christian’s mind works in the very same way. But for us, our beliefs should be founded upon the Truth. Yet, the Christian continues to have unhelpful feelings, behaviors and thoughts. This is due to our fallen nature or the fact that our experience with that trigger was not founded upon Truth. This is where we can use psychology to help us direct a healthy outcome.
The goal is to use Christ’s truth to direct your core beliefs for a healthy direction of the mind.
How does it work?: ‘A’ is the activating event. This is the trigger that happens and will be filtered through your core beliefs, intermediate beliefs etc. This trigger can range from something someone said to something that happened physically. Automatic thoughts is also part of this list. Your core belief is the firm part of your being. But, because it is so firmly positioned, what you believe with dictate what you do with the trigger that comes your way.
Good news remains that these beliefs can be altered by the person who holds them. This process is called reasoning with the belief until this belief is helpful. If the belief is helpful, the outcome will also be helpful through thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Remember that helpful outcomes aren’t always about positivity. We need negative outcomes in certain situations. For example, seeing a spider as a trigger. It filters through the belief that they are dangerous. And the outcome is to stay away. This outcome is helpful.
So, how can a Christian use this psychological method to promote a healthy spiritual life and helpful outcomes?: 2 Timothy 3:16,17 says: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible is the spoken Word of God and a guide to living a life that glorifies God. On His wisdom a Christian builds their life. Thus, forming the foundation on which they stand. This also forms the filter through which triggers may go to promote an outcome that is Christ-like.
But, if it were this easy, every Christian would have a very healthy spiritual life. Instead, the Bible is read and studied. But, when a trigger happens, the Christian is not always well equipped to help with the outcome. Instead, what they believe to be true, based on experience acts as the filter on how they will think, feel and behave. This is not always wrong. Life lessons and our experiences often offer valid information through which we can view the world. But, not all experiences promote a Christ-like response to a trigger.
Jesus says in John 14:15: If you love Me, keep My commandments. Christianity starts with Christ. A Christian need to want a more Christ-like response to triggers. Because God’s Word is the only sensible solution for this life we live. That choice and realization is the first step in the growth process.
The Christian already has a filter (core beliefs) through which the trigger runs to produce an outcome. The goal is to reason with the existing core belief to get it in line with Scripture. 2 Corinthians 10:5,6…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.
Of course this would mean that a Christian should develop self-discipline to study the Word of God. And if they are unsure about a certain response, they should write them down and seek an answer from the Word or through the support of someone who has studied God’s Word faithfully.
Perhaps three things to keep in mind through this reasoning process, is the fact that your core beliefs are not that easily reasoned with. The Christian’s sinful nature still exists and therefore, sinless perfection is an impossible idea this side of heaven. Secondly, our core beliefs are not changed overnight. It is a process. One in which we need to persevere if we are to see any change. Thirdly, and most importantly, we cannot imagine to see the possibility of this reasoning without the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 says: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The transformation of the mind, which should be an honor for the Christian, happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the entire process should be done mindfully and prayerfully.
Application:
Let us take a closer look at this theory in its active form:
A trigger happens to Lily. Someone at church is being chosen for a role. Lily, seeing this, also has many talents. Yet, she wasn’t chosen for that role.
Lily has experienced this as a child. When it happened, it made her feel jealous and feeling like a failure. Someone that no one wants. This is the same feeling that she is feeling right now, though she knows that the feeling is sinful.
Let’s look at the way Lily can reason with her core belief and make it obedient to Christ. It will be good to compare it with an unhelpful response to see it in action.
Unhelpful: The trigger (a-activating event) is the fact that Lily wasn’t chosen for a role at church.
The core belief is that Lily is unwanted by everyone.
The outcome (c-consequence) is the fact that Lily is now jealous and despises the person who was chosen.
Let’s look at this again with the Bible as the foundation.
Helpful: The trigger (a-activating event) is the fact that Lily wasn’t chosen for a role at church.
Her core beliefs are based on two Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 12:11: But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. And 1 Peter 5:6: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
C-Consequence or the outcome is that Lily celebrates with the person who was chosen for the role at church.
This is just an example, but the principle stays the same and is a universal imperative. The one consequence was helpful and the other one wasn’t. The most helpful response was the effect when the Bible becomes the core belief.