What in the world do those three things have to do with each other? I’m glad you asked. Our students are required to set goals while they are students and we hope they develop the life-long habit of goal setting. We also want them to be successful at overcoming temptations, especially the ones they will encounter once they leave the program. I believe meditation is an important biblical principle that will benefit both goal setting and overcoming temptation.
Let me give you an explanation of meditation that helps me. Worry. Do you know how to worry and roll negative thoughts over and over in your mind considering all of the possible disastrous scenarios? Unfortunately for almost every one of us, this comes naturally for us. If you know how to stress and worry then you know how to meditate. Just switch it to truth and positive thoughts. This takes setting aside time for intentional focus. Read Psalm 1.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 (meditate, keep your thoughts on) about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Studies have been done that have shown the validity of positive visualizing. Basketball players who visualized making free throws improved just as much as those who practiced the same length of time. In their heads, they pictured themselves successfully making free throw shots over and over again.
The biblical principle of meditation includes applying biblical truth to our problems, goals, and temptations. The first step is determining what the right (noble, pure, lovely.. of godly character) thing to do is.
When I apply biblical truth and right thinking (Phil. 4:8) I role play in my head (visualize) doing the right thing and being successful. Again we seem to be pretty darn good at the negative side of meditation (worry – visualizing the negative). Why not give the positive side a try? Let me give you a couple of quick examples.
Goal setting example: A student sets a goal in class about how they will react next time their roommate gets upset with them. This time they will have a soft answer (instead of their normal anger and yelling). Have the student play that situation out in their head several times, role playing exactly how they will respond with godly character. Have them actually role play it with another student or staff member.
Temptation Example: A student knows that on her pass that she will probably run into an old friend. How will she handle that friend, especially when that friend invites her to go somewhere or do something that she knows she should not do? Have her plan and write out her healthy response. Then have her role play it – being successful at doing the right thing – over and over in her head. Have her do this for several days. Let her role play it with another student several times over several days.
Discuss – Evaluate – Execute:
- How does this principle apply to problems in your life or the lives of your students?
- Give an example.
- Can you think of areas in your own life where you can apply this principle?
- What steps can we take to help our students develop the lifelong skill/habit of meditation?
