The central question of ‘How does Christianity Influence Your Daily Life?’ is deeply significant, as the teachings of Christianity not only shape, but impact the way by which individuals all across the world live, think and interact. Christians all across the globe share a like-minded practice of faith, integrating religion into their lives throughout the day in order to understand and bear with the struggles that life throws at them. In order to answer this question, it is important to understand the foundations of Christianity and how living the core values of Christianity in your life can reflect positively on all aspects of life.
Christianity is a monotheistic religion that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus preach morality, compassion, kindness, charity, humility and empathy to all people, in order to extend love to all. Jesus taught about the importance of hope, faith and the need to be a source of guidance and strength for one another. Jesus preached that believers must be willing to turn from their sins, repent and rely on faith in order to live their lives in the way God intends for them.
Engaging in prayer is a significant part of Christianity, because it is the time in which believers use to communicate with God, renewing their Christian faith and getting answers to their prayers. Praying on a daily basis not only strengthens one’s faith, but it also sets the stage for how they are able to respond to problems that arise. Praying allows individuals to put their worries and struggles in the hands of God, something which is incredibly difficult to do without having a religious foundation. Having faith and believing that good will come out of bad situations is key to staying calm, composed and confident.
Christianity is also rooted in morality, with Jesus`s teachings centred around being kind, caring and compassionate to all people and living according to the Ten Commandment of the Bible. This foundation to religion encourages believers to strive for justice and equality, stand up for the oppressed, provide a helping hand to those in need, fight poverty and educate children. Christianity is a faith that looks to actively make a positive difference in the world around it, as opposed to simply just believing in it.
Apart from prayer, another key aspect of Christianity is connecting with other believers. Participating in weekly services or gathering with family members to pray over meals provides individuals with a sense of purpose, while also providing them with knowledge, spiritual strength as well as emotional wellness. Many churches organize social gatherings, bible study groups and outreach programs, allowing its members to come together, learn from one another and extend their service to their communities. This ultimately drives individuals to be more kind and considerate, taking on the characteristics of Jesus.
Scholarship of Christianity
When understanding how Christianity influences daily life, it is important to look into the many scholars and academics that have done research on the social impacts of Christian teachings. Various studies have been conducted over the years exploring how religious beliefs can shape a person’s behaviour and view of the world. Results from such studies have found that individuals who practice their faith on a regular basis tend to have better mental health (Hoge, 2002); they are happier and more satisfied with their lives (Kenyon, 2014); and are more likely to be socially involved and benefit their communities (Zogby, 2005). Research also shows that individuals who practice their faith demonstrate greater generosity, as they are more likely to give to charity (Cordiam, 2015).
Other research suggests that when individuals are surrounded by and identify with a religious community, they will choose to adopt and abide by the values of that community. This can include, but is not limited to, prayer, taking part in religious activities and participating in charity work. Religion can therefore serve as a social support system, making members of the faith more likely to build stronger relationships with those around them and live more harmoniously in their communities (De Wit et al., 2004).
Balancing faith with modern day issues is also an important challenge to overcome. Adopting Biblical values and ethics can help individuals understand the importance of being selfless and more patient, allowing them to stand firm during difficult situations. It can also teach believers about the concept of social justice, being understanding and tolerant towards those that are different, in order to bridge gaps, build trust and create a better future.
Integrating Faith into Daily Life
All in all, practising Christianity can have a great influence on an individual’s daily life. Believers must strive to integrate the values of Christianity into their lives and actively work to make a difference in the world. It begins with personal discipline in order to foster strong morals and values. Reading scriptures, meditating and engaging in meaningful conversations can all help believers to stay grounded while equipping themselves with knowledge.
Integrating faith into daily life can also help individuals develop a strong sense of purpose and lead their lives with a goal in mind. Through prayer and reflection, believers benefit from having an alternative perspective, working towards achieving their goals one step at a time. Working towards this purpose can give one a sense of achievement at the end of the day and can help to relieve the stress that life can often bother.
Additionally, it is essential to look for God’s guidance in everything that believers do. Looking to Him for comfort and hope during difficult times can also prove beneficial as it encourages individuals to persevere and keep their faith strong. Believers must take advantage of the opportunities around them, while also enjoying the beauty of life through spiritual and meaningful connections.
Supporting and Uplifting Others Through Christianity
It is highly important to be a light in a dark world and spread love to those in need by providing support and encouragement. Believers should strive to challenge and influence each other positively in order to stay true to their faith and grow closer to God. Additionally, believers should endeavour to reach out to others in need and provide assistance and assistance through prayers, outreach and charity work. Through this, believers can develop a closer connection to their faith, as well as taking it upon themselves to higher the morale of their community and positively impact the world around them.
Biblical Practices vs Modern Practices
In today’s world, many people also have to grapple with biblical practices versus modern practices. Being able to think critically and draw on scriptures through prayer to rationalize and choose between ethical dilemmas is yet another powerful example of how Christianity influences daily life. Believers must always strive to practice the core values of Christianity, while also practicing wisdom and understanding in order to navigate through our ever-evolving world. By doing so, individuals are able to live a life of integrity, while honouring God and serving Him with their lives.
Making a Difference
In the end, making a positive difference in people’s lives is core to Christianity and living the faith. Believers must think about how to make a positive difference to their family, friends and communities, in order to serve their faith and spread the love of God. Practising Christianity does not require perfection, but instead encourages individuals to try their best, strive for improvements every day. Religion should not be used to condemn or undermine, but instead to uplift and encourage positivity.
Living With Gratitude and Appreciation
Along with being generous and making a difference in the lives of others, it is also important to be appreciative and thankful to God for all that has been awarded to us. Gratitude towards God asserts that everything in our lives – big and small – is gifted to us by Him. This requires believers to recognize that their lives are full of blessings, some of which many may take for granted. By expressing gratitude, individuals need to also practice love, gratitude and appreciations towards those around them, and God will then bless them with a positive, rewarding life.
Conclusion
Therefore, the answer to the question ‘How does Christianity Influence Your Daily Life?’ is that Christianity is more than just a faith, but an adoptable core of values and beliefs. Christianity can shape and colour many aspects of an individual’s life, offering comfort and hope during difficult times. It encourages believers to strive for justice, call out unfairness, be selfless and kind, while also being generous and appreciative of our lives. Christianity is not just about believing, but instead it is about actively making a difference to the world and sharing God’s love with those around us.
