During the last decade science has taken gigantic leaps at understanding what goes on in the brain. Many things are still a mystery, but new imaging techniques have allowed scientists to see what chemical reactions happen when someone laughs or cries or lies or any number of things that originate in the brain. One of the things now recognized is that every thought a person has sends electrical signals through the brain. What this means is that every thought has very real physical properties that have significant impact on every cell in a person’s body. Negative thoughts don’t just influence attitudes; they negatively impact the entire body. Positive thoughts have positive impact—on every cell of the body.This is very interesting in light of what we are taught in Doctrine and Covenants 88:28-31 about the resurrection. There we are told that “They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened. Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness. And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness. And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.”
According to this instruction from the Lord, at any given moment we are responding to a power or influence that “quickens” or makes alive our bodies. As we respond to celestial influences we are quickens by celestial glory and our bodies are changed to celestial bodies so that eventually we will be restored to a fullness of celestial glory.
When we understand this concept, we realize that every decision we make has eternal consequences. When we live in truth we are slowly being changed into celestial beings. Decision at a time, line upon line, we are changing and becoming!
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4 comments:
I read a book about this once. It really is quite fascinating how science is backing up what the Lord has always known--whether it be our thought processes or the Word of Wisdom or whatever. I'm thankful for truth and all that you're teaching us about it on this blog! :)
As someone who struggles with clinical depression, I take comfort in Alma 41:5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good;
Our brains also have "infirmities", perhaps given to us as a test, to learn, to help others develop charity, etc. While Alma 41 is speaking about repentance I believe it applies to other issues too. Take vs. 7 for example: These are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness;
Depression can be a darkness and one that is not created by sin or someone else sin. He will fix it all- especially if we desire to be happy and stay righteous despite our hard times.
Wendi, It is interesting and as science learns more, I'm sure it will only help us understand more about the Lord's commandments.
My Favorite Things, You are right. There is a great book on this by Dr Amen, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. There can be infirmities in the brain that will be taken into account. that's why we can't judge others. Only God knows. In the meantime, we all do the best we can to make good choices.
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