We Christians
believe that faith in Christ will lead to unimaginable blessings in
eternity. But did you know that your
faith enriches your life in this world as well?
Maybe you already knew this. But
now psychologists can verify the positive role that faith can play in your
life.
Just take a
look at some of the following findings:
·
According
to the American Psychological Association, a recent study found that “higher
levels of religious faith and spirituality were associated with several
positive mental health outcomes, including more optimism about life and higher
resilience to stress.”
·
According
to the National Association of School Psychologists, ““Children reared in a
system of faith often find great solace in formal ceremonial practices during
times of stress and uncertainty.”
·
Dr.
Lisa Berkman, an epidemiologist at the Yale University School of Medicine,
writes that “‘having a strong faith and being embedded in a web of
relationships like churchgoing have definite health benefits.”
There are
some who claim that committing your life to Christ will bring blessings in this
life, but they focus on things such as wealth, popularity, health, and success
in business or education. That’s a great
way to pack people into your church: join us and your life will be a bed of
roses. But I wonder how they explain why
nearly everyone in Scripture who followed God encountered difficulties and
struggles. As 2 Timothy 3:12 puts it, “Everyone
who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
The benefits
of a life of faith have nothing to do with fancy houses, big cars, and Ivy
League educations. They have a lot more
to do with discovering resources beyond yourself when the house burns down, the
car is totaled, and you flunk out of school.
The God who loves us and lives within us provides a sense of meaning and
purpose, so that we know we aren’t just muddling through life on our own. And we have an assurance that there is a
greater plan at work beyond what we are able to recognize on our own.
Yes, our
Christian faith is a celebration of a life beyond this one, in which all pain,
suffering, confusion, and loneliness are wiped away. Particularly as we celebrate Easter, we know
that when we join Christ in our own resurrection, we will experience
unimaginable joy, glory, and peace.
Otherwise, as Paul wrote, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ,
we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our expectation of the glory to come
vindicates our present sufferings and struggles.
But I’m not a
Christian simply for the benefits of the afterlife. I’m a Christian because it’s the best, most
satisfying way to live this life. I’m
glad to hear that the psychologists agree.
