The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
April 26, 2009
In
This Issue:
Stressed
Out?
by
Steve Klein
Jesus,
The Proper Influence
by
Gary N. Patton
Stressed Out?
Recent research published by the American Psychological Association reveals that, more than ever, Americans are feelings stressed out. Nearly half of Americans report that their stress level has increased over the past year, with as many as 30 percent rating their average stress levels as extreme. The study revealed the following:
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In 2008, more people reported physical and emotional symptoms due to stress. More people report feelings of irritability or anger (60 percent compared to 50 percent in 2007), fatigue (53 percent compared to 51 percent in 2007), and lying awake at night (52 percent compared to 48 percent in 2007) as a result of stress.
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Other physical symptoms of stress include: headache (47 percent); upset stomach (35 percent); muscular tension (34 percent); change in sex drive (19 percent); teeth grinding (17 percent); tightness in chest (16 percent); feeling dizzy (15 percent).
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Other psychological symptoms of stress reported include: lack of interest or motivation (49 percent); feeling nervous or anxious (49 percent); feeling depressed or sad (48 percent); and feeling as though you could cry (40 percent).
According to the study, here's what people do in order to try and manage their stress:
52% Listen to music
47% Exercise or walk
44% Read
41% Spend time with friends or family
41% Watch TV
38% Nap
37% Play video games/surf the internet
37% Pray
34% Eat
30% Spend time with a hobby
21% Go to church
18% Drink Alcohol
9% Play sports
9% Get a massage/go to the spa
Interestingly, the study also found that the things that actually help us manage stress are not the things that we are doing to manage stress. Here are the things we do to manage stress in order of their reported EFFECTIVENESS.
77% Pray
75% Go to church
71% Get a massage/go to the spa
65% Exercise or walk
63% Play sports
61% Spend time with friends or family
59% Spend time with a hobby
54% Listen to music
50% Read
39% Nap
35% Shop
31% Play video games/surf the internet
30% Watch TV
27% Drink Alcohol
16% Eat
Note how few people go to church to relieve stress (21%), but how many people who tried going to church found that it helped (75%). And did you notice that only 37% tried praying to relieve stress, but of those that prayed a whopping 77% found that it helped.
God's way is the way to a happier less stressful life. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
-- Steve Klein
When we have a great respect for someone, that one can have a great influence on us. Especially do we see this clearly illustrated in the teacher-student relationship. If our chil-dren have a strong love or attachment to a teacher, whatever that teacher does or says will have a strong influence on what the child ac-cepts or rejects.
This type of relationship can also be seen in those who are religiously minded. If we have a great love or respect for someone, whatever they may say can influence our feelings and actions. So often we hear people say, "Well if Bro. So and So says it's so, it's so." This kind of statement indicates the strong influence many men can have on the belief and actions of other people. Often, the deep respect we may have for someone else is well deserved. They have gained it through diligent study and service. But we must remember we are all human be-ings and capable of making mistakes. If our faith is built on the teaching of men, we may find ourselves on shaky ground, and our faith shaken because of a change in teaching or conduct of the teacher we have respected so long.
With this idea in mind, it is important we examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and see if our life and faith is dictated by the teaching of some man or men rather than by Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19,20 Jesus said, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you . . ." If we have the proper respect for Jesus as our teacher here on earth, His Word will be our rule of faith in this life and not man's. In fact, Paul points out in Colossians 3 the different areas in which the teaching of Christ can influence our life. He begins by saying, "If ye then be risen with Christ . . ." If we are in Christ, that is we have been buried with Him in baptism and raised to a new life, then we will "seek those things which are above . . ."
He continues by pointing out that if we are seeking those things he teaches, it will influ-ence our affections, verse 2. We will love those things which are above, spiritual things, rather than the material things of this earth, because our "life is hid in Christ in God."
Not only will it have an influence on our affections but also on our heart. "Mortify there-fore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (evil desires) and covetous-ness, which is idolatry; for which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience," v.5. Since the heart of man is that with which he knows, thinks, feels emotion and will to do, these all would apply to man's heart, for "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." The teaching of Jesus will guide us to fight against such things. The teaching of Jesus can influence our speech (verses 8,9). We are told to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication our of your mouth and lie not. If our respect for the teaching of Jesus is as it should be, our attitude will also be influenced (verse 12-17). We will, among many things listed, manifest kindness, meekness, forgiveness, letting the Word of God rule in our hearts.
In verses 18-21 of this same chapter, he points out that the teaching of Christ directs the home. Wives, husbands and children are all given their responsibilities to one another in the home. Finally he points out, in verses 22-25, that the words of Christ's teaching will influence us at work. We are told that we must work honestly and diligently for our employer, "in singleness of heart, fearing God."
Truly, if we have the proper respect and love for our Lord, His words will influence us in every way. Why not always turn to Him as the foundation and strength of our faith. He will not fail or disappoint us as man can. His promises and rewards are everlasting. His Word is truth.
-- Gary N. Patton
Via The East Florence Contender, Florence, Alabama.