The term that
we use most commonly to show the influence of God's word in a believer's life
is ‘wellbeing’. This is not a biblical word, but it is accepted in the medical
literature. Other biblically used words have been related to it in medical
studies such as joy, peace, contentment and purpose.
Teleios has discovered
through its research that Christians who have a knowledge of their salvation, understand
that they are eternally secure, and are adherent to their faith [in praise,
prayer, fellowship, teaching others and personal Bible study (Acts 2:42,47)]
demonstrate better wellbeing than professed Christians who do not possess these
characteristics.
We wished to
further evaluate any links between a believer’s wellbeing and their perception
of their church and its leadership. To do this we recently performed a survey in
6 Bible-believing churches in the Midwest and California in conjunction with
Scott Barfoot, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.
There were 115 participants in the survey. They categorized themselves
as overwhelmingly evangelical (97%), expressed confidence in their acceptance
by God based on grace (97%) and in the security of their salvation (88%). The
highest ratings for adherence to their faith was for prayer and praise (95% and
92%, respectively).
Our survey found that participants in evangelical churches almost always
rated their personal wellbeing as good or very good (about 90%). Similar
findings were shown in surrogate markers of wellbeing including contentment,
peace, joy and purpose (1). Only about 5% indicated any level of negative
wellbeing.
However, there was no control group in our study and our rating scale
for wellbeing was unique to our survey, so based on our data it was difficult
to make firm conclusions regarding evangelical wellbeing compared to other
population groups. Other recent data notes that Americans rate their personal
wellbeing on average as 6.9 of 10 (2). Pew indicates that in the Americas
between 30-42% of people note that they are thriving in individual aspects of
personal wellbeing (3).
However,
such high wellbeing ratings for Christians, found in our study, are not surprising
because the Bible indicates that we can receive the fruit of the Spirit such as
joy and peace, among others (Galatians 5:22). A Christian who has believed in
Christ for forgiveness of their sins by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) possesses
the Holy Spirit as a promise (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13). Believers then may cooperate
with the Holy Spirit to develop these wonderful characteristics. Consequently, we
can have excellent wellbeing through the power of the Spirit operating in our
lives.
How do we
obtain this good wellbeing? That's the big question!
Since as Christians
we have the Holy Spirit and we are not to quench or grieve Him (I Thessalonians
5:19, Ephesians 4:30), but to mature in our thinking and actions consistent
with the Spirit (Romans 8:5, Galatians 5:16, 24) and to use His power to overcome
to the ungodly attributes (Romans 8:13). Importantly, the Spirit operates in us
by the use of God's Word [the Bible is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)].
Consequently,
we should realize that we have the Spirit wholly and we should not restrict Him
through sin. In contrast, we should actively learn and follow God's Word which
allows the Spirit to function in our lives to develop us into a more Christ-like
person who manifests peace and joy; otherwise good wellbeing! Got it? God has something great for you!
Thanks for
reading my blog. I hope that you'll come back again next week.
- http://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm
- http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/united-states/
- http://info.healthways.com/hubfs/Well-Being_Index/2014_Data/Gallup-Healthways_State_of_Global_Well-Being_2014_Country_Rankings.pdf?t=1468340686679
WC Stewart
Response policy - The purpose of the comment section is
to promote discussion that is encouraging, propels the further search of
Scripture and raises interesting and thought provoking Biblically related
questions. You may feel free to disagree with me in a constructive manner using
appropriate language. I reserve the right to remove your comments if they are
profane, pornographic, libelous or I do not consider them constructive or
consistent with the policy stated above. By posting you no longer own your
comments and you are granting me an unrestricted worldwide license to use your
comments.
Copyright © 2016
Teleios, Inc. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment