Messing with Your Mind

A recent study revealed that four-year-old children who watched nine minutes of a certain popular television cartoon show demonstrated what one writer called “less self-control, a reduced ability to delay gratification, and poorer working memory skills than their peers who had engaged in ‘calmer’ activities.” While one group of children was shown the fast-paced cartoon show, another watched something educational and slower-paced, or they colored with markers and crayons.

The children who took the calmer route did much better than those who experienced input overload.* It shouldn’t surprise us to find out that what children watch on television affects the way their minds work.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians long ago and said we are transformed as we look at Jesus. Looking to Jesus, we become like Him.

What you put into your mind affects what plays out in your life.

Just as a programmer programs a computer, believers in Jesus program their minds one way or another. Focusing on images or content that plants disturbing messages in your mind will affect you negatively.

Programming your mind in a positive way will grow you in a healthy direction. What are you beholding? Reading the Word of God puts you in touch with the God of eternity, enabling you to hear His counsel and know His character.

Prayer has a transformational effect on the whole person.

Time in nature has a calming, restoring effect on human physiology. If you make heaven your focus, the Bible your guide, and prayer your link with heaven, you will be transformed into Christ’s image. Today, think about where your focus is. If you want to be like Jesus, if you want to be the person God wants you to be, make the things of heaven your focus. By beholding, you will be changed.