Throughout the ages, the heart has been referred to as a source of virtue, love, and
intelligence. Many ancient cultures, including the Mesopotamians, Egyptians,
Babylonians, and Greeks assert that the heart is the primary organ responsible for
influencing and directing emotions and decision-making. Similar perspectives are found
in many religions.
Even with these traditions and plentiful metaphors such as “I love you with all my heart”,
most of us have been taught that the heart is just a muscle that pumps blood and
maintains circulation. Neuroscientists have discovered exciting information about the
heart, however, that reveals it is far more complex. Scientists have found that the heart
has its own independent nervous system–a complex system referred to as “the brain in the
heart.” There are at least forty thousand neurons (nerve cells) in the heart–as many as are
found in various sub-cortical centers of the brain.
The heart communicates with the brain and the rest of the body in three ways:
Neurologically (through transmissions of nerve impulses); biochemically (through
hormones and neurotransmitters); and biophysically (through pressure waves). Growing
scientific evidence suggests that the heart may communicate with the brain and body in a
fourth way–energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions). Through these
communication systems, the heart has significant influence on the function of the brain,
continually sending the brain extensive emotional and intuitive signals.
This scientific data makes it clear why Satan’s objective is to attack at the very center of
your existence–your innermost being–your heart and mind. In explaining the source
from which man is defiled and where sin is conceived, Jesus said:
For from within, (that is) out of the heart of man, come base and wicked thoughts:
sexual immorality, stealing, murder, adultery, Coveting (a greedy desire to have
more wealth), dangerous and destructive wickedness, deceit; unrestrained
(indecent) conduct; an evil eye (envy), slander (evil speaking, malicious
misrepresentation, abusiveness); pride – (that is) the sin of an uplifted heart
against God and man; foolishness (folly, lack of sense, recklessness,
thoughtlessness). All these evil (purposes and desires) come from within, and they
make the man unclean and render him unhallowed. (Mark 7:21-23, AMP)
Your heart and mind are intricately related. Understanding the relationship between them
is essential in order to war effectively on this major spiritual battlefield.