Hey there,
Are we who we are because of our heredity or because of our environment? It’s one of the oldest debated concepts in psychology.
On the one side are those who believe our behavior, personality, and characteristics are determined by nature … the genes we inherit.
On the other side are those who believe in the nurture theory … environmental variables like how we were raised, childhood experiences, social relationships, and culture have the greatest impact on how we turn out.
Most psychologists today agree that both nature and nurture combine to play a role in determining who we are as adults.
For example, a boy who carries a tall gene but is malnourished is less likely to grow to the height potential of his genes due to environmental influences.
Jesus lived among us and despite His human nature and his environment, He lived a sinless life. He teaches us how to avoid sin and to love one another so we may earn eternal salvation.
Regardless of whether our personality, temperament, and behavior are inherited or learned, we have the ability to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
We just have to be willing … and to turn to God for help.
Advent is a time for us to look inside our hearts to see what changes we need to make. To prepare for the coming of our Lord.
This week’s Genuflect resources look at ways to transform our hearts to be more like Jesus. So regardless of our genes and our environment, we’ll be ready for His coming.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
Change Your Life in 15 Minutes
Every day we get 1,440 minutes to use as we please. Some of that time goes to sleeping, working, and eating. According to Gary Jansen, if you spend 1% of that time … just 14 minutes and 24 seconds … every day doing this your life will change for the better. He’s living proof.
Fifteen Minutes That Will Change Your Life | Catholic Herald
Why so Hard to be Good?
Rob Marco asks what we all quietly wonder: why is it so hard to be good? Whether it’s diet or exercise, we struggle to develop new healthy habits. Thing is, our prayer life is the same way. We know it’s what we should do. But we don’t develop good prayer habits or at times we become complacent. They key is setting the right goal.
Why Is It So Hard To Be Good? | Catholic Stand
Prayer of Transformation
Don’t try to go it alone. Let the power of prayer help you transform your heart in Jesus’ image. Here’s a prayer for transformation.
A Prayer of Transformation | Catholic Exchange
Listen With Your Heart
At times we can get so focused on the here and now that we lose sight of what’s important. We want what we want … and we ask God to provide. And we forget that it’s also important to listen to the Lord. That’s when the magic happens. It’s transformational.
Jesus’ Heart Has Transformed my Own | LifeTeen
10 Tips on Discernment
Discernment is a decision-making practice of looking internally to determine what direction God is calling us to go. To follow His will for us. It’s critical for transforming your heart. Here are 10 tips to help you with discernment.
Discernment: Making Inspired Choices | Loyola Press
7 Daily Habits For Sainthood
World-class athletes spend hours on end practicing, studying, and working out. Successful musicians spend just as much time honing their craft. Becoming a saint is no different. It takes work every day to achieve heaven. Here are 7 things you can incorporate into your daily life that are sure to enhance your spiritual life.
Do You Want to be a Saint? Seven Daily Habits For The New Year | Catholic Review
Exchange Bad Habits For Good
If you’re going to transform your heart, a good place to start is to turn bad habits into good. Dom Cingoranelli shares his perspective on why you should consider a change of heart now. And he provides some great examples to get you headed in the right direction.
Exchanging Bad Habits for Good Habits | Catholic Stand
How to Return to Mass
Our churches closed down due to Covid. And more than a year later, some parishes only recently lifted their waiver of the obligation to attend Mass. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Mass and you’re a little anxious about returning, we’ve got you covered. Here are 9 tips to help you get back in the pew.
Survival Guide for Returning to Mass When You Haven’t Been In Awhile | Catholic Link
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free Holy Spirit inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone.
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
Download one of the previous wallpapers
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect. Thank you!
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
