Principles and Values
«Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established» (Proverbs 1 6:3)
It is true that thoughts usually precede actions. But sometimes, the opposite happens: our thoughts change when a behavior is constantly repeated. Today’s verse affirms that our actions affect our way of thinking, especially when these actions entail fulfilling God’s will.
In a large scale study, a group of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Virginia, USA) conducted multiple interview sessions with more than one thousand pairs of twin sisters. The researchers discovered that certain behaviors lead to self-destructive thoughts (suicide, self-mutilation). The research also identified a large number of behaviors that were out of the participants’ control (childhood sexual abuse, unemployment, residence in rural area) and others that were done out of free will (cocaine use, absence of altruist works, lack of religious practice). These behaviors were the cause of self-destructive thoughts.
Aristotle said: «Our characters are the result of our conduct.» One day, one of my (J) students came back from the Pohnpei Island of Micronesia, after one-year of voluntary service, teaching at a primary school. After her service, her way of thinking had radically changed. When she came to my office to tell me her experience, I immediately realized her way of thinking had taken a different direction: she was filled with selfless intentions. She wanted to become a teacher (something she used to despise); she had a more global vision; she judged herself with common sense; she was more optimistic; she was more eager to explore new options and her faith clearly improved.
Yes, our behaviors shape our thoughts. If you live with the burden of obsessive thoughts, temptation, doubt, anxiety or insecurity; if you feel resentment, envy or hostility toward others; if what goes through your mind is undesirable, surrender yourself to action and your thoughts will soon change. What actions? Choose noble, honest, responsible, fair actions that show respect and appreciation toward Others, especially by helping someone in need. Our thoughts and actions are so closely linked that one produces the other. With your actions, you will fulfill the Lord’s will, after all, the apostle gives the following advice to those who follow Jesus:
«But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased» (Heb. 13:16).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Alejandra Zavala
