>>> Nudging
I recently saw an TED talk about “nudging”. Nudging is a ‘new’ psychology technique for manipulating either one’s self, or others. I think the idea can be of use to us Christians.

“The inventors of Nudge Theory claim that we make choices within something called a ‘choice architecture’. For instance, in a grocery store, you are more likely to pick an item that is within reach, so he highest profit items are within easy reach. This is an example of “Choice Architecture”.
“Those individuals and organizations that shape your ‘choice architecture’ are called ‘choice architects’.”

“Nudging is everywhere!”

The speaker proposed some ‘nudging rules’ which, in this world full of nefarious players, will almost certainly be ignored. But let’s take a look at them anyway.

1) all nudging should be as transparent as possible
2) It should be as easy as possible to opt out of the nudge
3) The behavior that is being nudged, should benefit the person(s) being nudged.

Reference:
Nudging your way to workplace satisfaction | Jule Deges | TEDxNuremberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auimvO4-QHI

Now, how does this apply to Christianity?
Surprise! God already worked this out!
Think of all the advice that scripture offers:
Going to church every Sunday is a form of nudging. (Heb 10:25)
Prayer, and reading the Bible (daily) are a forms of nudging! (Acts 17:10)
Singing hymns and spiritual songs are forms of nudging. (Ephesians 5:19)
Talking to your children about the things of God are forms of nudging. (Deut 4:9)
etc. etc.
The Bible show us how to become our own ‘choice architects’.
Let’s ‘nudge’ our way closer to God!
Peace

>>> The love of the World

1 John 2: 15 says:
“…If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”

What does THAT mean?

Let me explain with an example:

Let’s say you are not married, and you are looking for a someone to marry in a dating app, and you find possible matches.

Match # 1

• likes going to movies and plays
• has a successful fashion advice channel on youtube
• enjoys fine dining, travel, boating, and hiking with friends

Match #2

• spent their own money to learn Hebrew and Greek in order to understand the Bible better.
• visits hospitals and nursing homes in their spare time to comfort the lonely
• is saving up for a missionary trip next year
• is a Sunday School teacher on weekends

Which person would you say “loves God”?
Which person would you say “loves the world”?

What John is saying is that where your love is, that is where your heart is.
One of those “matches” loves the world, and because of that, the love of God is not in them.
That’s what the verse is saying.

Peace