When we decide what we will pay attention to, we don’t just make a choice about what to focus on—we actually make a choice about who we will become.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, makes very clear the connection between what we set our minds on—that is, what we pay attention to—and how we live:

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

This isn’t just high-minded spiritual stuff—it is a demonstrated fact of life.  There is a connection between constant exposure to violent video games and movies, and aggression in the person who plays or watches them.  There is a connection between giving endless attention to images of physical beauty and having anxiety about our own bodies.  When we pay more attention to what others think than to what is right, we become more vulnerable to peer pressure.

The good news is that it works the other way around, too.  Paying attention to the needs of others gives rise to empathy and compassion—think of Mother Teresa.  Attention to detail leads to excellence—think of Da Vinci. 

Your attention is not just a matter of how you spend your mental energy—it is a matter of choosing what kind of person you will become.  What we behold changes us.  It is why the Psalmist declares, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes….”  It’s not just that he doesn’t want to waste his time.  He doesn’t want to become a worthless man. 

Perhaps we should pay a bit more attention to…what we pay attention to.

Have a wonderful day.