Steven Furtick - Detoxing Your Mind (01/27/2026)
Hey, when we started this series, Triggered, I promised you that we were going to get practical. We're not just going to be up here preaching about the peace of God and preaching about self-control without giving practical handles for how to apply it. And I wanted to take that to a new level this weekend.
So I sat down with Dr. Caroline Leaf, who is a... are you ready for this? Cognitive neuroscientist. That's right. It's a little intimidating. I'm a preacher, okay? And Dr. Leaf has studied the human brain for decades. And not only studied it, but now she has a passion for taking her knowledge to the body of Christ. You know, connecting the science and the scriptures. I had the most amazing conversation with her. I thought I would share it with the entire church family and our EFAM around the world.
Of course, Dr. Leaf is the author of, I think, five different books. The newest being "Think, Learn, Succeed". And you can pick that up. But I think you are going to love this conversation. You'll see in the conversation, I got a little personal. I had some questions about my own brand of crazy that I wanted help with. And Dr. Leaf spoke to some things that I'm still thinking about even now as I speak to you.
So get ready. Enjoy this conversation. I know it's not a normal sermon format. But I believe it's going to help you to put the things that you know and believe into practice in your everyday life.
What does it mean to be triggered?
A trigger is an external thing—like a smell or a comment—that activates an existing, physically stored memory in your brain. It brings that thought into your conscious mind, where you then choose how to respond. You have more control over this than you might think.
Does religion cause us to avoid responsibility?
Sometimes, yes. Religion can foster a "pass-the-buck" culture where we blame the devil or use prayer as an excuse not to take ownership of our reactions. This avoids the real, self-reflective work we're designed to do.
What is toxic about "Christianese" language?
Repeating spiritual phrases like "renew your mind" without deeply thinking about them creates cognitive dissonance. We say what sounds right culturally, but it doesn't match our actual thoughts, which causes internal stress and hinders real growth.
How can I control my negative thoughts?
Start with non-judgmental self-awareness. Acknowledge the thought without guilt—this alone weakens it. You're designed to consciously evaluate your thoughts roughly every 10 seconds, which begins the process of changing them.
What is "freaking out in the love zone"?
It’s being brutally honest about your pain, fear, or anger while consciously choosing to process it in a safe, loving mindset. Like Jesus in Gethsemane, it's facing hard truths without pretense, which is the first step to healing.
Should I share my darkest thoughts with a friend?
Absolutely, if it's a safe relationship. Speaking thoughts aloud brings them into the light, making them weaker and manageable. This process, done in a trust-based "love zone," is a form of prayer and essential for reconceptualizing pain.
How long does it take to change a thought pattern?
It takes 63 days to build a stable, long-term memory. Significant physical brain changes start around day 7, but you must continue the practice past day 21 to stabilize the change and make it a conscious, automatic part of your life.
Why do I feel anxious even after a spiritual high?
Initial motivation gives a dopamine rush, but feelings fade. Lasting change requires pushing through the "low" days with intentional discipline. If you stop when the feeling fades, the brain changes you started will denature and revert.
How does technology affect my thought life?
Constant connection prevents the deep thinking and "mental housekeeping" your brain needs. It contributes to anxiety by overwhelming your mind with data you don't process. Balance it with deliberate, tech-free time to just think and daydream.
