The Mind-Body Connection Unveiled Through The Ten Commandments

"The presupposition of both the Ninth and Tenth Commandments is that the right ordering of life depends on more than the mere performance and avoidance of various outward deeds. It takes in the entire inward life. To the pop mantra "I can't help my feelings" it replies, "You know better." J. Budziszewski

Is it enough to avoid doing the wrong thing alone, or does your thought life and inward focus matter as well? As Budziszewski points out, according to the Ninth and Tenth Commandments, we have the complete picture of not only Holy living but of sound leadership.

Many leaders falsely believe as long as they say the right thing, and do the right thing, they will be noted as one of the best. They will be known within their circle as the one who did right. But what is right? Isn't that relevant to society, and if we are doing right by society, is that necessarily right by God?

These are tough questions to contemplate, but we have to ask them if we are to progress as a spiritually healthy leader. Not only do we have an obligation to judge our actions, but our inward reflections are to be scrutinized as well. They are not off limits to any moral judgement just because we do not act on them. Why do our thoughts matter?

By violating the Ninth Commandment, we are en route to violating the Sixth.

By violating the Tenth Commandment, we are en route to violating the Seventh.

This is such a broad subject that it covers not only morality, it also implies that negative thinking can not produce positive results, and likewise, if you are a motivating leader, you can expect those you impact to react with enthusiasm. Make the connection to how your daily activities are altered and commanded by your thoughts, and you have hit on a gold mine.

Go a step further and watch the performance of your employees and co-workers, and you will know what their thoughts are.

With so many book titles on the market related to body language and knowing what a person thinks according to how they sit or stand, it is far more indicative of a person's true character to focus on their day to day actions. The commandments that Moses carved on that rock tablet were not fancy psychobabble phrases or a group of suggestions for daily living. They truly are the building blocks to a sound mind, good work ethics, and morality that surpasses doing the right thing.