Subconscious: The Hidden Mind Shaping Our Lives

Beneath every conscious decision lies a deeper current of thought, memory and habit that quietly shapes who we become. This article explores how the subconscious influences our words, actions and character — and how Christ brings freedom, not just at the surface, but at the root.

The Hidden Power of the Subconscious

Subconscious influences exist within the human mind beneath the level of present awareness and affect all that we do. Although we make many 'thought-through', conscious decisions each day, the vast majority are spontaneous, 'without thought', ingrained responses of habit. A substantial portion of our memory also lies below the conscious level until triggered by particular stimuli. Indeed, the subconscious stores our long-term memories and core beliefs, and runs our repetitive habits — such as walking or driving — automatically, freeing the conscious mind for the tasks at hand.

The Bias of the Fall and the Need for Healing

From early in human history "Every inclination of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil all the time" (Gen 6:5). Even from an early age, wrong thinking patterns in the core of our personalities influence our words, actions and resulting character, for "As a man thinks, so he is" (Prov 23:7). This bias towards evil is an outcome of 'the fall'.

We must give Jesus permission to expose, cleanse and heal not just the problems we are conscious of (these are often symptoms) but also our secret faults (where the roots of our problems are). It is only as the roots are dealt with that we will experience full and lasting freedom. While not everything we think and feel has a root cause that determines how we react, much of what makes us bitter, angry and fearful does. If we fail to deal with the painful hurts, fears and insecurities, they will be buried in our mind and become strongholds that motivate and influence our actions. So meditate on the truth of God's Word to enable both the conscious and subconscious parts to be transformed, and develop the right perspective along with templates for interpreting the events of life.

We are urged to "Guard your heart [spirit] more than any treasure, for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov 4:23). Because your heart is shaped by what you take in through your entry points, fill your mind with the positive words of Scripture, for we become and reflect in thoughts, attitudes and actions what we constantly think about or intently look at (Mt 15:18-19; Lk 6:45; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 4:8). We are to 'hide God's Word' in our heart so it becomes the guiding influence (Ps 119:11,105).

Closely monitor what you feed into your inner being

Be careful what you feed in through various means. Input reaches the inner being through many channels — what we watch, read and listen to, the music we absorb, the conversations we engage in and the company we keep (Prov 13:20; 1 Cor 15:33). Every 'entry point' deposits material into the subconscious, which stores it and quietly replays it in thoughts, attitudes and reactions long after the moment has passed. Because so much of this occurs beneath conscious awareness, it is wise to deliberately evaluate what is entering: choose wholesome content, limit exposure to whatever corrupts, and counterbalance the negative with the positive intake of God's Word, so the hidden mind is shaped by truth rather than by whatever happens to drift in.

Renewing the Mind for Lasting Freedom

Our nature and conduct will be radically changed as we stop copying the ways of those who don't know Jesus and challenge the misconceptions and lies that have lodged in our memories with the truth, as found in Him and the Word, and continue to live by the principles of His Kingdom (Jn 8:32,36, 17:17). It is our responsibility to address the wrong assumptions, dismantle the bondages, replace the wrong thought patterns and create a godly mindset through being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Jer 17:9; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:22).

Attend to this vital area

David asked God to show him his hidden faults so that he could repent, for "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts" (Ps 19:12-13, 51:6, 139:23-24). The transforming power of the gospel has the ability to bring wholeness to every part of our being if we cooperate with Christ (Jn 10:10). While at salvation God sees us as a new creation, with the old gone and the new has come, we begin the process of making that a reality in our experience, so "let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit" (2 Cor 5:17, 7:1).

Reflection and Application

What ingrained responses of habit are quietly shaping my words and actions?
Am I feeding my inner being with God's Word or with the world's input?
Have I asked God to expose my secret faults so the roots can be dealt with?
Which lie lodged in my memory needs to be replaced with the truth found in Christ?