Thinking About Thinking: A February Blog Series

This past weekend, we witnessed a horrible tragedy when the a medi-vac plane that crashed in Philadelphia. The small plane, a Learjet 55, had just departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport bound for Springfield, Missouri, when it went down, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.

We don’t yet know what went wrong, but there was some catastrophic failure that led to disaster. This serves as a sobering analogy: just as mechanical or navigational failures can bring down an aircraft, faulty thinking can cause great heartache and personal crashes if we don’t identify our cognitive missteps and develop techniques to counter them. It takes practice and intentional effort to think well and avoid the pitfalls of distorted reasoning. 

For the month of February, I want to explore the ways we think—the patterns, biases, and habits that shape our understanding of the world. The way we process information, draw conclusions, and make decisions has a profound impact on our lives, and faulty thinking can lead us into confusion, frustration, and even deception.

As with everything, I want to approach this from both a practical and biblical perspective. Scripture frequently calls us to examine our thoughts:

• "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

• "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

• "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).

To structure these reflections, I hope to introduce a set of tools—metaphors for different aspects of cognition. These will help us navigate our thought life, diagnose errors, and realign our thinking with truth.

1. The Mind Mirror

Introspection is a powerful yet often neglected habit. This tool encourages us to look honestly at our own cognitive patterns. What are our default reactions? Where do we rationalize rather than seek truth? Psalm 139:23-24 provides a fitting prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. The Cognitive Compass

Just as a compass helps travelers find their way, a cognitive compass helps us navigate our mental landscape. Are our thoughts leading us toward wisdom or folly? Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us not to lean solely on our own understanding but to trust in God to direct our paths.

3. The Bias Barometer

Our thinking is often clouded by biases—confirmation bias, negativity bias, hindsight bias, and many more. The Bias Barometer helps us detect these tendencies and measure their impact on our judgment. Proverbs 18:17 warns, "The first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines."

4. Perception Pivot

Sometimes, we need a shift in perspective. The Perception Pivot challenges us to reevaluate assumptions and look at things differently. There is no greater passage in Scripture to do this, than the Sermon on the Mount-  where Jesus challenged perceptions, as seen in Matthew 5-7, where He redefined righteousness, love, and justice.

5. The Thinking Map

Like a physical map, a thinking map guides us through our mental terrain. Where do our thoughts frequently go? Are they leading us into anxiety, pride, or deception? Philippians 4:8 provides a clear directive: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right... think about such things."

6. Metacog Matrix

Metacognition—thinking about thinking—is essential for growth. This tool helps us analyze where we are caught in cognitive distortions. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

7. The Clarity Lens

Distorted thinking can fog our perception of reality. The Clarity Lens helps us remove these distortions and see clearly. Jesus declared in John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

8. The Confidence Scale

We often overestimate or underestimate our knowledge. The Confidence Scale asks: Is our confidence aligned with reality? Romans 12:3 warns, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment."

9. Mind Checkpoint

Just as a road checkpoint forces travelers to stop, a Mind Checkpoint prompts us to pause and assess whether our thoughts are rational and true. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God."

10. The Echo Filter

Many people live in echo chambers, reinforcing their own views without exposure to differing perspectives. The Echo Filter helps us distinguish truth from self-reinforcing loops. Proverbs 15:22 advises, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

11. The Crisis Mode

When faced with urgent situations, our thinking can become reactive, emotional, and fear-driven. The Crisis Mode tool helps us slow down, seek wisdom, and respond rather than react. James 1:19 reminds us, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Moving Forward

Each week in February, I will explore one or two of these concepts, looking at how they affect our thinking and how Scripture can help us reshape our mental habits. My hope is that this series will encourage deeper reflection, more critical thinking, and ultimately, a transformation of the mind that leads to greater wisdom and clarity.