Many people have misunderstood the truth of Christianity - they think that it is about religion, boring church services, and old people. But the real truth is that living a vibrant life as a Christian completely transforms a person's life - in mind, body and spirit.

Central to Christianity is one's own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says about Jesus that 'he himself is our peace'. Living in right relationship with God is the best way to relieve your mind, body and spirit. Becoming a Christian is easy: the Bible says 'if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'

As far as your mind is concerned, as well as Jesus being our peace, as Christians we actually have 'the mind of Christ'. This means we can be free from worry about things; we can also get to know God more and more. God also wants people to be healthy; the Bible says 'I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you'. Not only does he want us to be well in our physical body, but also in a spiritual sense as well.

When we become Christians we become part of what the Bible calls 'the body of Christ'. While our own relationship with Jesus is paramount, the one we have with other Christians is vitally important. It may sound obvious, but as a Christian you should be regularly attending a church. Church was never designed to just take up a portion of your Sunday, but rather that God's people could meet together, worship Him, and encourage each other. As a Christian, being part of a vibrant church is a must.

The Bible also tells us that, after confessing and believing in Jesus, he lives in us by the Holy Spirit, who is 'God's guarantee he will give us everything he promised'.

As you can see, what the Bible says should define the life of a Christian. Being a Christian doesn't suddenly make life easier. We still have problems and difficulties. Christians face the same obstacles that everyone else does. What is different is that we know that 'if God is for us, who can be against us?' That itself is enough to keep our mind, body and spirit thriving.

Why not get to know some Christians near where you live who live in the way just described? If you can't find any, visit www.allnationschurch.org.uk* which is a church based in South Wales that can help you no end! God is more interested in your mind, body and spirit than you realise!

© Mark Smethurst and James Aubrey - 2005

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