As many of us have noticed by now, the internet, websites, and social media have done a great job at using technology to show us ads, social media posts, and news articles that are specific to our interests. This technology uses algorithms, which collect data of things we show an interest in. When we “like” something, like a social media post, or shop online for a specific item, the technology records that information about us and begins showing us other similar options.
An algorithm is a technology beyond my comprehension. Yet, I see it work. I know it works. A more literal, yet basic definition of an algorithm is, “a set of well-defined steps or rules that you need to follow to obtain a predetermined result. Apart from mathematics or computer programming, we see algorithms in everyday life. Let’s say you want to cook a dish. You begin with some ingredients (the input) and will follow the recipe. The recipe will have different steps (the algorithm) that you can follow to make the dish (the output)” (Lynch, 2021).
When I awaken my laptop screen it displays a scenic picture. Each time I awaken the laptop there is a new picture, unless I “like” it. There is an option for “liking” the picture on the screen, which I have used when I see breathtaking scenic photos. Sadly, the other day, I had seen a picture that I really enjoyed, but I didn’t hit the “like” button before logging in to my home screen. I hoped that the same picture would come up again the next time I opened the laptop, but that did not happen. Today I saw another amazing photo, and this time I was sure to hit the “like” button so that I would be able to view it again.
This process, and the requirement of “liking” the photo if I desire to view it again, made me consider our lives. On my laptop, if I see a photo that I like but I do not “like” it, act on it, or give it some kind of attention, then it will just pass on. Yet, if I stop and take the time to acknowledge it, then I will get more.
In our lives we often take the good for granted, and we give attention to the things that we do not like. When unpleasant things occur we react. We aren't saying that we “like” it, but perhaps that’s not the algorithm. Perhaps the rule in life is not, if you “like” it you will get more, but instead it is, “if you give it attention you will get more”.
What if the rule is, whatever we give attention to will begin replaying through our feed. Even if it’s negative attention, e.g. complaining, disgust, gossiping, etc. What if our attention, our emotion, reactions, and speaking about it, sends a signal requesting more of the same. Could our negative attention be requesting, or magnetically drawing, more of those things back into our lives?
Perhaps this is why gratitude, thankfulness, and even giving thanks during trials, is mentioned so many times in the Bible. Maybe this algorithm is something that is real, like a spiritual law. We know that there are spiritual laws connected to giving and generosity. Perhaps there are spiritual laws connected to what we give attention to. If this is true then we should be cautious in giving too much attention to things that we do not like, or do not want.
Maybe we should start taking scripture literally by “giving thanks in ALL things” (1 Thes 5:16-18, Phil 4:4-7, James 1:2). Maybe we should “take our thoughts captive” (2 Cor 10:5), directing them toward “things that are good, true, noble, lovely and of good repute” (Phil 4:8).
If something happens that we enjoy, stop. Stop and “like it”. Acknowledge it, give it attention. Give attention to every drink of water, every smile that you receive, every laugh that you share. Stop and consciously give gratitude for friends, a conversation, for food. Signal the good to replay in your life. If something unpleasant happens, learn to take those thoughts captive. Admit the displeasure, then focus on what is good. Find what could be good. Jesus endured the cross “for the Joy set before him”. He found something pleasant, something lovely and good that would come out of his trial. He focused on the joy while he went through hell.
Algorithm Of Life - What you give attention to will start replaying through your life. Even if it’s negative attention. The attention signals, and requests, more of the same.
Give attention to the positive.
References
Lynch, A. (2021). What is Algorithm. Retrieved from: https://www.edrawsoft.com/algorithm-definition.html#.YbqN081s9Fk.link
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