IF WE ARE SO HAPPY WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE LIKE US

According to a recently released report from Pew Research highly religious people are about 20% happier than those who are not highly religious.   They are also more likely to be very satisfied with their lives than those who are not highly religious.  The positive vibes do not stop there.  Highly religious people are 50% more likely to volunteer and donate to the poor or under-privileged.

 

As a person who personally knows Jesus Christ, it is not hard for me to understand the source of our happiness, joy and compassion.  I try to live each day fearlessly under grace.  I also have the confidence that the struggles, heartbreaks and pain of this world are only temporary.  I have the hope of eternal life.  The joy of walking the earth each day in the light of Jesus love for me allows me face even difficult situations confidently, knowing “all things work together for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

In spite of the above, Christians have an image problem. Much of the world views us in a negative way.  Millennials as a group see us as being out of step and hypocritical.  We are often known more for what we are against that what we are for.  Still, according to the Pew Research report we are not only a happy, joyful group but one who does a lot of good in the world.  If that is the case; why don't people like us?

I have a theory.  Much of the joy, happiness and even the acts of compassion and kindness take place within the context of the church community.  We are a joyful group, and some of our greatest joy comes from hanging with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We have fellowship at potlucks and serve on committees together.  We go on mission trips and volunteer for work projects, like Habitat for Humanity.  That’s okay, but I have to wonder if we are keeping our “lights under a bowl.”  (Matthew 5:14)  Is hanging out together what Jesus’ had in mind?

I gained an interesting, and challenging insight, in a sermon I heard recently.  The text was Hebrews 13:7-15.  The verse that really convicted me was Hebrews 13:13.  I think The Message paraphrase says it best.

“So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, action is –

not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus.”

I think we get caught up with the same problem the Peter, James and John when they experienced Jesus’ Transfiguration.   “It’s good to be here.  Let’s set up some tents and camp out.”   But Jesus did not allow them to stay there.  He had ministry to do, and none of that ministry happened within the walls of a temple or synagogue.  He wandered the highways and byways in search of the broken and lost.  He was a messenger of hope in a broken world.

Now he calls us to do the same.  The bottom line is hanging out with our church friends is comfortable and fun, but hopefully they already know Jesus.  Our real ministry needs to happen in the world.  We need to be messengers of compassion and hope to a world that deeply needs Jesus.