*How your mind works and influences your personality
By Pastor Yomi OGUNTUWASE
(yomioguntuase@gmail.com, +447946506659)
Proverbs 25:28 (KJV) says: A man without self-control is like a city broken down, without walls.
1. Your mind has three parts
The Chimp (emotional), the Human (logical), and the computer (automatic habits and beliefs). Each one influences how you think, feel and behave.
2. All input goes to the Chimp first
Your first reaction is always emotional. The Chimp checks for danger, disrespect, uncertainty or reward. Only when it feels safe does the Human take over.
The scripture in Galatians 5:22-23 says self control is the final fruit of the spirit.
3. You know the Chimp is in charge by asking one question
“Do I want these thoughts, feelings, or behaviours?” If the answer is no, it’s your Chimp. If yes, it’s your Human.
Ecclesiastics 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
4. You cannot control the Chimp with willpower
The Chimp is faster and five times stronger. You cannot “fight” it. You must manage it through understanding, calmness and strategy.
Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
5. The Chimp shows up in daily life
Road rage, frustration, overeating, impatience, snapping at people or reacting to minor things are all Chimp responses. The Human is calmer, logical and measured.
6. Self-control determines success
Humans can delay gratification. The Chimp wants immediate pleasure or emotional release. Learning self-control puts the Human in charge and improves decision-making.
7. The Chimp and Human can work together
The Chimp protects you and alerts you to danger. The Human interprets reality. Problems come when the Chimp takes over in situations that need logic, not emotion.
8. The computer is your most powerful tool
It thinks faster than both the Human and the Chimp. It holds your beliefs, habits and automatic responses. If programmed well, the Computer can calm the Chimp quickly with strong truths such as:
– I can handle any situation
– Life is not fair
– Disappointments pass
– Peace comes from how I respond, not what happens
These programs become automatic and help you stay in Human mode.
*Oguntuase, a nutritionist and a reflexologist, is a Pastor of Christ in Me Ministry, Windsor UK.
