What we think about makes a difference

Well, we made it through another Lenten season all the way through Easter morning. I hope you had a great time and I’m glad you are still here.

An article in Science Magazine reported a study done several years ago regarding the mind’s tendency to wander. The article stated many philosophical and religious traditions teach that happiness is to be found by living in the moment, and practitioners are trained to resist mind-wandering and “to be here now.” These traditions suggest that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Are they right?

Jumping to the article’s conclusion: Yes, the traditions are right.

This study revealed three facts:

1. People’s minds wander frequently.

2. People are less happy when their minds wander.

3. What people think about is a better predictor of happiness than what people do.

This is why the Bible places so much importance on our thought life. What we think about makes a difference.

Life is better — more fulfilling, more meaningful — when we remain fixed in the moment which really matters.

Now, if you’re like me, your mind might have wandered a bit while you read these few sentences. (Maybe because mine wandered a bit while I wrote them.) It does take effort to stay on track. But the effort is always worth it. So, the question is:

Which ideas deserve your undivided attention today?

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. (Proverbs 4:5)

Peace, Skip

James “skip” french is the pastor of Highland Christian Church located at 1500 Forest Hills Blvd. in Bella Vista. Opinions expressed are those of the author.