My home state of Kentucky is ranked next to last among the states in “well-being,” according to a recent Gallup poll. Based on responses to questions on work environment, emotional health, physical health, basic access, healthy behavior, and life-evaluation, Kentucky scored a “D minus,” 62.3%. The Well-Being Index is calculated on a scale of 0 to 100, where a score of 100 would represent ideal well-being.
It’s the work of sociologists and economists to ask the “why” and the “how” questions about such data. I want to ask, what is the impact on mission? If God’s mission in Kentucky is to bring the kingdom here, just as it is in heaven, then what are his people to do? If the realities of God’s reign, which include no more tears or pain (Revelation 21:4), is to become a reality in our state, what is the task of the church?
The church is to be an agent of “shalom” – a rich, multi-faceted, biblical concept of God’s best, wholeness, and wellness. The message of Jesus we live out is not about minimal entrance requirements for heaven when we’re gone. It is about “good news” now. Shalom now. Holistic well-being now. Our whole selves – spiritual, physical, emotional – are to be affected by the gospel.
And that means the church in Kentucky has some work to do.
We must make a shift from a gospel limited to, “if you died tonight …” and encompass a more holistic, “if you live tomorrow” approach to faith. The well-being of those in contact with a missional Jesus-community ought to be higher than a “D minus.”
So, what would it mean for the Jesus-message to take hold in the work-place? What would it take for it to impact emotional health? Physical health? Basic access to necessities like clean water, medicine, food, shelter, and affordable fruits and vegetables? How does the gospel affect healthy behavior choices? And how might a follower of Jesus respond to a question of life-evaluation?
Whether you’re a Kentuckian or not, I’m interested to hear your response in thinking about “well-being” where you are.
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