Episode 270: The Real Battle Is Between Your Ears
With Jeff and Terra Mattson and Special Guest Max Lucado
What if the greatest battle shaping our leadership, relationships, and faith is happening in our minds? In this episode, we sit down with pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado to talk about the power of thought life and why taming our thoughts is essential to living whole and leading well.
Together, we explore how negative thinking, shame, guilt, insecurity, and lust take root—and how Scripture, neuroscience, confession, and community help us interrupt destructive patterns and renew our minds. Max shares personal stories, practical tools from his book Tame Your Thoughts, and a grace-filled reminder that God is not surprised by us—and He is deeply invested in our mental and spiritual health.
This conversation is honest, hopeful, and grounded in the truth that transformation doesn’t start with behavior change, but with believing what is actually true.
Key Takeaways
You are not your thoughts—but your life is shaped by what you allow to stay in your mind.
Confession is not for God’s information; it’s for our freedom.
Identifying the UFO cycle (Untruth → False Narrative → Overreaction) helps interrupt destructive behaviors at the root.
Renewing the mind is both spiritual and neurological—repetition of truth literally reshapes the brain.
Shame thrives in isolation, but healing accelerates in safe, honest relationships.
Lust and addiction are not just moral failures but thought-level battles that require grace, boundaries, and support.
Scripture isn’t about behavior management—it’s about revealing Jesus and transforming how we think.
Book: Tame Your Thoughts
Website: maxlucado.com
Instagram: @maxlucado
Facebook: Max Lucado
X (Twitter): @MaxLucado
YouTube: Max Lucado
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Until next time, be the leader you would follow!
Grateful for you,
Jeff & Terra
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