This morning I followed a Twitter by Tony Morgan to a blog he reads authured by Penelope Trunk . In her blog, Penelope states ” Because it’s completely clear to me that people who believe in God are fundamentally more optimistic and more connected to community, and I want my kids to have that.” A commenter challenged her on the statement and she offered a Duke study as a source to add credibility. I completely agree with her comment and I’ll tell you why.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  – James 1:17

Our Creator, the God of heaven and earth, made it clear through creation itself, the overwhelming intelligence used to create all that we see and hear on a daily basis. Of course, man has taken things God created from nothing, to make things like concrete, machines, computers, etc. But it was God that gave the knowledge to invent such things. Many here will argue for evolution, but scientifically speaking, that’s not intellectually honest. (Way too much science to argue the point in this blog though, read Lee Strobel’s “The Case For A Creator” to ascertain my position)

This intelligence of God is far beyond what we have capacity to reason. The more we learn, the more we see how everything He has given us has purpose. Examples: The study referenced above shows how the aspect of community and living life together within religion make for a healthier lifestyle. Sex too, leads to the promotion of a healthier life! (In addition to the link provided, a google search of “sex and health” will provide a plethora of support for the last statement) The amazing benefits of breast milk. These are just three examples and doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

Two key points to close with. All that God has established as good and purposeful can be abused or counterfeited to produce harmful, if not dangerous results. Community can become a dictatorship. Sex outside of marriage or with multiple partners has led to addictions (pornography) and disease (STD’s). And, I realize some have benefited from formulas, but man invented replacements for breast milk can cause colic, allergies, and no telling how many other intestinal problems later in life.  Finally, and most importantly. If the one true God is left out of any aspect of our life, though we may benefit from the principal of His gift, we lose that He wants a personal and eternal relationship with us! Jesus said “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  – John 10:10  Jesus is not only the way to this abundant life, He is also the only way to God! John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.