The loudest voices in our culture herald a consistent message. Go big. Go viral. Get busy.
Get distracted. Ooh! Look at this. Ooh! Shiny, shiny, shiny.
Perhaps you’ve noticed this, too.
The screens and software and computer devices we use are designed to train us to pay attention to them and nothing else. The way they sound, feel, and look are created so they become the center of lives. This isn’t cultural commentary as much as basic brain science.
As the Hugh McGuire observes in this brilliant article:
- “New information creates a rush of dopamine to the brain, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good.”
- “The promise of new information compels your brain to seek out that dopamine rush.”
Ever notice—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, text—sets off a rush of dopamine. The rush causes us to develop behaviors that reinforce our behaviors. Responding soon becomes habit.
Start a project. Need dopamine. Check Facebook. Dopamine rush. Check email. Second dopamine rush. Hit refresh. No new emails. Visit Twitter for dopamine rush. Return to project. Repeat cycle again and again.
No wonder it’s so hard not to look at our phones when we feel the vibration or hear the ring or ping. Our brain science urges, “You want this. Just a peek.”
Perhaps everything hinges on our ability to unplug from time to time. To resist the dopamine. To reshape our brain chemistry by stepping outside.
That’s one reason this summer, we’re hosting the Scouting the Divine Bible study this summer.
I can already see the eye rolls. How can you suggest we need to step away from technology and then host an online Bible study?
Because Scouting the Divine isn’t your typical Bible study.
The six-week study invites you go to on a journey to understand the agrarian world of the Bible. We spend time with a shepherd, beekeeper, farmer, and vintner in order to better understand the rich agricultural world that the serves as the backdrop of the Scripture.
But you’re asked to do more than just read online, you’re asked to slow down and read through the book and workbook. To respond and interact with old school hand written notes. Then, you’re challenged to do something wondiferous.
Grab a neighbor or friend or child or grandchild and create your own outing.
Go and visit a petting zoo. Call around and find someone who tends to a flock of sheep. Spend time with someone who cares for beehives—and maybe will give you a peek (if you’re not allergic). Taste test different types of honey. Visit a grape grower. Sample different types of grapes. Talk to a farmer. Ask questions about the struggles of the modern farmer and the joys of harvest.
Explore together.
Eat together.
Spend time together.
Unplug from your devices and regain a rich appreciation for the wonders of God’s creation and the deep truths of Scripture.
I promise that if you participate in the Scouting the Divine summer Bible study you won’t read the Scripture the same way again.
To join the Summer Bible Study, pick up the Scouting the Divine Bible Study DVD Kit from MargaretFeinbergStore.com ($74.95). Each kit includes:
- One copy of Scouting the Divine in hardback (regularly $16.99)
- One copy of Scouting the Divine participant’s guide member workbook(regularly $9.95)
- One set of Scouting the Divine DVD + interactive CD (regularly $59.99)
As an added bonus, we are offering a 20% discount off our summer study when you enter coupon code: ScoutingSummer upon check out at MargaretFeinbergStore.com—that’s a savings of $14.99!
Pick up your Scouting the Divine DVD Kit today and begin asking God to prepare your heart for what’s in store this summer. We'll be gathering together each week here at MargaretFeinberg.com starting June 15th to discuss, pray for one another, and dive into God's Word.
Click here to subscribe via RSS to get each post delivered directly to your inbox.
The post Everything Hinges on Your Ability To Do This One Thing appeared first on Margaret Feinberg.