This is why strong faith is most important

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Live long, live well”

Our Bible verse for today: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Our thought for today: “This is why strong faith is most important”

Of all the factors held in common by people who live in the geographic Blue Zones (as discussed in previous devotionals in this series) which contribute to a long life lived well, I believe strong faith to be the most important. As supported by the research of Dan Beuttner and reported in his book “Blue Zones”, strong faith is a shared trait by a large percentage of those who have lived long and well. But why? Why is strong faith such a powerful positive contributing factor to long life?

While I can’t answer that question regarding the practice of any faith other than Christianity, for the Christian the answer is illustrated well for us by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23. There we read of what the apostle calls “The fruit of the Spirit.” They are character traits of Jesus which the Holy Spirit develops in the life of a committed disciple of Christ. As the person grows in spiritual maturity, they begin to experience more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives.

Over time those character traits begin to define who that person is at the very core of their being. That then has a positive impact on every other part of the person’s life. Deep in their soul they are at peace. The person is calm, settled, joyful, and content – as opposed to being agitated, anxious, unhappy, and unsettled. Every aspect of life becomes better because that person has the Holy Spirit forming the fruit of the Spirit in their heart.

In previous devotionals we have considered the truth that as human beings we are composite beings who consist of a physical body, mental/emotional capacity, and spirit/soul. All three parts of us are interrelated and impact each other. All three parts are essential parts of our being and all three need to be kept as healthy as possible for as long as possible. But our spirit is by far the most important part of us, and it is the part that has the most profound impact on the other two. If you are unsettled in your spirit, then the rest of your life will be unsettled too. But if you are at peace in your spirit, your emotions will be stable and even as your body slowly deteriorates with age, you will handle that challenge with dignity and grace because deep in your soul the most important part of you is strong, healthy, vital, and thriving.

I urge all of us to take proper care of our entire being – all three parts – but the most important part of you is your spirit. Take good care of yourself spiritually.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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