Positive or Negative

I recently attended a Re-think Learning workshop. Included in the workshop was a section on how the human brain works.  

 

This confirmed something I had always suspected - that being FOR something is much more powerful than being AGAINST. Apparently, the sub-conscious mind does not recognise a negative. It picks up on the concept or idea without reading the negative.

It is common knowledge that focussing on a temptation often further cements that wrong idea in the sub-conscious, and makes it more acceptable, and more likely to be actioned. The best way to avoid doing the wrong thing is to focus on the right thing.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --think about such things.” (Phil 4:8)

Let me apply this to some media campaigns. A media campaign must make an impact on the sub-conscious. This is where memories are stored, perceptions are controlled, and habits are installed. Therefore, a media campaign with a negative message is likely to be counter-productive.

Every year the South African government spends millions of rand on awareness against woman & child-abuse. This just makes the sub-conscious mind aware that this abuse is happening and that it is in some way acceptable. It is not surprising that these campaigns seem to have done nothing to improve South Africa’s terrible domestic violence record. Maybe we should focus on how husbands should love their wives with care and respect and how parents should show their love to children. (Col 3:17-21)

 

And what about media campaigns against corruption? Perhaps we can focus on how good it feels to be honest and to give in order to make a difference. (Acts 20:35b)

And drugs? Maybe our focus should be on healthy lifestyles? Certain groups against gangs and drugs have a reputation for making things worse, not better.

And what about xenophobia? Perhaps we should be talking about welcoming the alien, the refugee and foreigner.

It is amazing how applying something simple about how the brain works could make such a difference to the world we live in.

Good News!

There is Good News!

(Picture from Unicef, Malawi)

 After reading today’s newspaper, I’m in need of some good news …

 What is the Gospel that the Bible talks about? Gospel means Good News!

When I grew up, I thought that the Bible only had bad news – bad news that I just wasn’t good enough… just like my school reports that said “could try harder!”

But over and over again, the New Testament talks about the Good News: Mark writes: Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark ch1)

What was the Good News that Jesus preached?

It was that God’s Kingdom & rule had come to earth in Jesus. It was God coming into our world. And it was not God bringing judgment and condemnation; no! It was God bringing love, healing, and teaching on how to live in God’s way.

But the religious establishment did not like this new teaching because it empowered the poor and the outcasts. So the powerful religious leaders had Jesus killed on a cross.

They thought that was the end of it. Even Jesus closest followers went into hiding.

But it wasn’t the end.

In three days Jesus walked out of the tomb in which his body had been placed. He appeared to many of his followers, explaining how the cross was part of God’s wonderful plan for people. Then Jesus was seen disappearing into the clouds.

He told his followers to wait in the city, Jerusalem. Some days later, at the Jewish feast of Pentecost about 120 of them were gathered praying when God the Holy Spirit, like tongues of fire, came to rest upon each of them. God actually came to live within them. They were empowered to do the same great works that Jesus had done, and to bring the same teaching from God.

Full of God’s power, and enthusiasm, they took God’s good news throughout the city, and then out to the whole world. And the really good news is that God’s Holy Spirit – God within us, is available not just to those first disciples, but to anyone who seeks God earnestly and puts their trust in Jesus. Jesus had said before he was crucified: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father”. (Jn 14). This has been the experience of Jesus’ followers from that day until this!

It is GOOD NEWS!