Do you have personal
peace - peace with God, peace with family and friends, peace of mind? Peace is
one of the great quests of mankind! For those who know God through faith,
personal peace is mentioned as one of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) that He desires us to have.
What does research
show?
We explored this topic
in a study performed in Bartlesville, OK at Grace Community Church (1). At services
on one Sunday, we asked the adult population to complete a questionnaire
regarding different aspects of their wellbeing, including peace, as well as
their adherence to the practice of their faith.
How did we define
adherence to faith? Using the Bible we delineated the following as ‘adherence
to faith’ if they: proclaimed to be a Christian through personal faith in Jesus
Christ and His sacrifice on the cross as a free gift of salvation; were secure
in their salvation; and frequently utilized the five tools to maturity in their
lives (prayer, praise, faith, reaching out and growing in knowledge of
scripture) (Acts 2:42,47; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:27-30).
The results of the
survey showed, on a scale of 0-6 the average level of peace was 4.2 for the
entire congregation (0 being least and 6 being most) - not bad! However, there
generally was significantly greater peace in believers the more adherent they
were in their Christian practice!
What explains the
finding? Well, we don’t know for certain, but four potential reasons come to
mind.
· Proper focus - The practice of
Christianity causes us to concentrate on our almighty God who has purposes
higher than our own. This focus may make help take our mind away from our own
anxious or selfish thoughts.
· Prayer - We know from past research that people who pray possess
better wellbeing (1-5). The adherence to the practice of Christianity provides
for prayer to an accepting great high priest, Jesus Christ, who cares for our
every need (Hebrews
4:14-16).
· Correct thinking - We realize knowledge
is power. Christianity furnishes an excellent text, the Bible, which teaches us
the truth, so we know how to think of ourselves correctly and do not believe
lies about God.
· Outward vision - Christianity urges
us to reach out by teaching others about our faith and being good to all people.
Consequently, this helps us not to concentrate on our own anxieties and issues (2).
Can I have peace?
First, be assured you
are a Christian and know that your sins have been forgiven freely by faith in
Christ. Read the gospel message at https://teleiosresearch.com/consider-the-gospel/. You then should realize that God accepts you and this great
salvation cannot be taken away.
Second, practice your
faith balanced between the 5 tools of maturity, along with confidence in salvation
(1 Peter 1:4-5). This will help build the mindset and
practices which the Holy Spirit can use to build peace. It takes time and
commitment, but you can do it. Learn the 5 tools to maturity at https://teleiosresearch.com/tools-to-maturity/. The results and blessings will be beyond measure (Galatians
5:22-23).
Thank you for joining
me today and please return next time as we explore more about the amazing
scripture that God has provided us.
For
questions or to view more of our research…
Disclaimer
- This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as
available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any
time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the
content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent
that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate
for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person
for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such
information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained
myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any
specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your
own research into the scriptures.
1.
MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of
religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract
2013;19:251-5.
2.
MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of community service
to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-82.
- Stewart WC, et al. Review of
clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health 2013;52:91-106.
- Stewart WC, et al. The source and
impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel
Health 2016;55:1326-35.
- Stewart WC, et al. Association of
strength of religious adherence to attitudes regarding glaucoma or ocular
hypertension. Ophthalmic Res 2011:45:53-6.
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