A Bright and Clear Mind

# A Bright Mind

In truth, we all know that as we grow older, we tend to forget more easily and experience declining memory. This is a reality that everyone must accept. According to a survey published in March 2025, approximately 87% of Americans are concerned about memory loss due to aging and declining brain function as they grow old, but only 32% believe they can do something to help manage this condition. Dr. Seemant Chaturvedi, a neurologist and stroke specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, states that "there are certainly risk factors that can be modified. Prioritizing healthy activities can increase brain function. As we enter our 70s and 80s, we can still recall important memories, drive, and engage in many different activities. And there is no concept of being 'too young' to start taking these steps." Neuroscientists say that people can practice nine basic things to have a healthier brain every day, (1) and God's Word also teaches us to do these nine things so that we may live well, live to glorify God's Name, and live fruitfully for His kingdom.

**1. Managing chronic illness.** Taking care of our health is honoring the body that God has entrusted to us. Seeking treatment and controlling disease is not a lack of faith—it is wisdom and obedience. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

**2. Exercise regularly.** Physical exercise is a way to express gratitude. When we care for our bodies, we are better equipped to serve others and fulfill God's mission for us. "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8).

**3. Prioritize sleep.** Rest is essential for spiritual health. We need to sleep enough hours each day, averaging 7-8 hours. God established the seventh day as a day of rest to be made holy, for worshiping Him. This is not weakness, but worship. "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made" (Genesis 2:3). "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2). "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24).

**4. Eat well.** Choosing nutritious food for your body is a way to live in a manner pleasing to God and to live with purpose that honors Him, for your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is a form of living a good life according to God's will. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). "Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every herb that yields seed, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food'" (Genesis 1:29).

**5. Exercise your mind.** God teaches us to always be wise, to read and meditate on His Word to develop wisdom. Learning is a way to exercise spiritually—it increases our understanding and sharpens our ability to make judgments. "The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge" (Proverbs 18:15). "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

**6. Maintain social relationships.** Community is God's design. Good relationships help increase spiritual growth and protect us from isolation. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24).

**7. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking.** Temperance is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit. Staying away from harmful substances and living with moderation is a way to walk in freedom and wisdom. God's Word teaches, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (1 Corinthians 10:23).

**8. Protect yourself from air pollution.** Caring for the environment is part of the sacred mission that God wants us to fulfill. Protecting God's creation is also protecting ourselves and others from environmental pollution, as God entrusted this responsibility to Adam: "Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). "A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10). "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1).

**9. Manage stress.** Peace is a promise from God. He urges us to cast all our burdens and worries upon Him, so that we may not be stressed but live under God's protection of peace. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

We earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us, give us strength, and help us implement these nine ways of improving our spiritual and physical lives, so that we may have a bright and wise mind, live healthily and serve God; grant us memory and wisdom to learn, understand, remember, and follow God's will completely; so that we may please God, glorify His Name, and demonstrate the power, love, and saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to all those around us! Amen!

I humbly ask for Jesus Christ's blessing, Faithful, almighty, You alone are true, Grant me strength to always trust in You, Wisdom to live well and healthy, forever more! Diligent in service, studying God's Word, Temperate, keeping myself within Your will, Turning away from wine and sin, Joyful in Jesus, at peace always!

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