TEMPERANCE
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding» (Proverbs 9: 10).
In his article «The Energies of Man,» the famous philosophy and psychology professor at Harvard University, William James, stated in 1907 that «we are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources.» Since then, many people believe that we only use 10% of our brain in our daily life even if this is only a myth that science has debunked on several occasions. The truth is that many cognitive functions can be improved and developed: memory, language, attention and even intelligence. Intelligence? Yes, indeed. Nowadays, there is clear evidence that people can enhance their intellectual capacity and their intelligence level. But what kind of training can help its development?
One of the factors related to enhancing intelligence is meditation. It is estimated that people who usually dedicate time to meditation display an increase in their cognitive performance. They barely feel stressed out and have better overall well-being.
The Holy Scriptures support this affirmation through David’s words, «Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day» (Ps.119:97), because «through Your precepts I get understanding» (v. 104). However, just as it is possible to improve intelligence, it is also possible to limit it. One of the ways of constraining it is through what we worship—meaning through what occupies our dearest interests and affections. The dwellers of Babylon worshipped their idols and carved images and became more foolish, «A drought is against her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is the land of carved images, and they are insane with their idols» (Jer. 50:38
Have you ever thought which two activities characterize your life? Do you spend time in meditating on God’s Word and developing your intelligence or do you spend your time in front of images all day? It is true that the idols of Chaldeans are not the same as they are nowadays; however, it is also true that the computer, TV, mobile phone and many other gadgets absorb our attention and they waste the time of millions of youngsters and adults with trivial and unproductive issues.
In other words, if we meditate on God and His commandments, we can acquire more intelligence; but if we «worship» the images, we will end up confused.
Would you like your intelligence to be enhanced? Remember that «The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Ones is understanding.»
#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Alejandra Zavala
