Is it true? Can
somebody who is a Christian have personal peace? We explored this topic in a
study performed in Bartlesville, OK at Grace Community Church (1). On one
Sunday, at two services, 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? From 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; they were
secure in their salvation; and they 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, Peter
1:4-5, John 10:27-30).
The results of
the survey showed on a visual analog scale of 0-6 the average level of peace
was 1.8 for the entire congregation (0 being most and 6 being least) - not bad!
However, when we separated the congregation into groups based on adherence to
faith there was a highly significant difference between groups with the more
adherent group having greater peace!
What explains
the finding? Well we don’t know for certain, but four potential reasons come to
mind.
1. First, the
practice of Christianity causes us to focus on a higher being that has purposes
higher than our own. This focus may make help take our mind away from our own anxious
thoughts.
2. Second, the
adherence to the practice of Christianity provides for prayer to an accepting
great high priest, Jesus Christ, who cares for our every time and need (Heb
14-16).
3. Third, we know
knowledge is power. Christianity furnishes an excellent text, the Bible, which
teaches us the truths about God so we know how to think of ourselves correctly
and do not believe lies about God.
4. Lastly, Christianity
urges us to reach out and touch others within our faith and to provide community
service. Consequently, this helps us not to concentrate on our own anxieties
and issues (2).
How can I get
peace? Make sure you are a Christian and know that your sins have been forgiven
freely by faith in Christ. You then should realize that God accepts you and
this great salvation cannot be taken away. Practicing your faith balanced between the
five tools of maturity mentioned above will help build the mindset and
practices which the Spirit can use to build peace. It takes time and
commitment, but you can do it. The fruits are there and blessings beyond
measure.
Tell me what
you think as well as your questions!
WC Stewart
@TeleiosResearch
1.
MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart
JA, Stewart WC. Association
of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement
Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255.
2.
MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart
JA, Stewart WC. Association
of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-582.
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