Last week, with being away for our camp retreat, there wasn’t really time to print a bulletin. But I hope you missed the info and challenges that I try to point out each week to inform you and strengthen your life in Christ. Scripture tells us to “be alert,” so I often point out issues that you may not be aware of that may help you or be added to your prayer list.

Now that school is almost out, many teachers will probably agree with the latest scientific research: humans now have shorter attention spans than goldfish. This new finding — by, of all companties, Mircosoft — suggest that these little critters can concentrate for nine seconds, compared to eight for humans.

Researchers looked at three different types of attention:

• Sustained attention is the ability to focus on one task continuously.

• Selective attention is the ability to respond when distractions come up.

• Alternating attention is multitasking.

To get a measure of focus levels, the researchers asked 2,000 people to take online surveys, play games, and have their brain electricity measured. The data found that increased use of digital devices lessens our sustained attention, doesn’t affect our selective attention, and actually improves our alternating attention. That means we are less able to focus on one task, but are getting better at doing multiple tasks at once.

The report concludes that the human attention span has decreased by four seconds since the year 2000, and that tech innovations may be to blame! New technologies have also led us to develop addictive behaviors, the study says. About 75% of people ages 18-24 admitted they check their phone when they don’t have anything better to do. Only 10% of people over 65 do the same. Researchers theorize that this is due to the brain’s neuroplasticity (it’s ability to change over time).

In our daily spiritual lives we’re continually challenged in the midst of change to “remain” in Christ, focus on God’s Word, listen to His direction, and be led by the Holy Spirit. It’s who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:5 is in the meditation Scripture we’re using for the month of June: “People who live following their sinful selves think only about what they want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about what the Spirit wants them to do.” 

For students and adults alike, we need to pay attention and focus our eyes on the “Author and Finisher of our faith!” May God bless you greatly today!