Have you ever instinctively pulled your hand away when touching something hot? Or blinked when something nearly hit your eye? That is a reflex: an automatic movement the body makes without having to think it through. Science explains reflexes as a physical defense system. But interestingly, the Bible also gives a picture that our spirit has a “reflex” of protection when life is led by God.
The Science Behind Reflexes
Reflexes happen through the autonomic nervous system. When there is a dangerous stimulus, the nerve signal does not need to wait for the brain to decide. The spinal cord immediately gives the command to the muscles to move. This is why we can avoid danger in a fraction of a second.
Some examples of human reflexes:
- Knee reflex when tapped by a doctor.
- Automatic blinking when a bright light or object comes near.
- Pulling your hand away from heat before you even feel pain.
These reflexes are an inborn protection mechanism from God so our bodies can survive.
Spiritual Reflexes in the Bible
The Bible also speaks about spiritual protection that is similar to a reflex. When we are close to God, our hearts naturally become more sensitive to avoid sin.
- “I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
- “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38).
The Word and prayer make our spirit have a “spiritual reflex”: quickly turning away from things that can harm the soul. Just as the body protects itself from physical danger, the spirit is also trained to protect itself from spiritual danger.
Training Spiritual Reflexes
Physical reflexes cannot be controlled consciously, but spiritual reflexes can be trained. How?
- Make the Word a habit – the more often we read the Bible, the faster our hearts respond to truth.
- Pray consistently – prayer keeps our spirit alert.
- Train the sensitivity of the heart – learn to say “no” to tempting things, even before falling into wrongdoing.
- Live in community – spiritual friends can become an “alarm system” that reminds us when we are careless.
Conclusion
Reflexes are proof that God designed our bodies with an intelligent protection system. The same is true in spiritual life: God gives us His Word and the Holy Spirit to train the “reflexes of the heart” so we quickly become aware when the danger of sin appears. So, just as our bodies protect themselves from heat, may our spirits also quickly take refuge in the Lord.
