An article appearing in the August 17th 1999 edition of The New York Times featured the results of a study from Duke University indicating that active involvement in a community of faith may be as big a factor in increasing longevity as refraining from smoking cigarettes. Dr. Harold Koenig reports that "Persons attending religious services once a week or more were physically and mentally healthier, had larger support networks and more confidants, and lived healthier lifestyles."

This was the fourth major study in the last two years to find a relationship between religious attendance and longevity. It comes as no surprise to those who have tasted the benefits of being spiritually exercised in worship and consistent redemptive relationships of love, trust, encouragement and mutual accountability.

"Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." (Deuteronomy 34:7). Caleb was eighty-five years old and felt that he was still fit for battle, and was as strong as he was at the age of forty! (Joshua 14:10-11)

As a society that is occupied with physical health and fitness issues, it is good to consider the important need for spiritual exercise and nurture.

"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1Timothy 4:7-8 NIV).

In a culture where the worldview is dominated by the humanism (where people see themselves accountable to no one but themselves) and materialism (where 'matter is supposedly all that matters') we need a healthy reality check. Humanism caters to our selfishness. Materialism to our greed. But the recognition of our ultimate accountability to our Creator produces the humility necessary to recognize our need for God's gift of forgiveness of sins and deathless life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7) "Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good spiritual habits (morals and character)." (1Corinthians 15:33). The converse of this is true, "Good company encourages good spiritual habits."

This life does not last forever no matter how hard you try to prevent wrinkles. We need to be fit for the next life as well as this present one. We need to take to heart the counsel of the prophet and "Prepare to meet our God." (See Amos 4:12; Hebrews 9:27).

The Christian life does not grant you immunity from life's trials, temptations, natural disasters or diseases. These are the result of living in a fallen world. The Lord Jesus Christ offers a life where we can learn to reign with him and experience victory in spite of our circumstances. No matter what challenges or opposition we may face, we can grow strong spiritually as we partner with God and the fellowship of His people. (See Matthew 11:28-30; and Psalm 133).

Consider this promise given to a man who had a heart to worship God: "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:15-16 NIV).

David MacAdam, Pastor/Teacher
New Life Community Church