Religion can have a significant beneficial impact on our lives and can provide us the direction, meaning, and peace we all seek. Religion gives us a solid basis on which to build our lives in a world full of uncertainties and difficulties. 

1. Finding Purpose:

One of the most significant ways religion can help us is by providing a sense of purpose. In a world that often leaves us feeling lost and disconnected, our true religion reminds us that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father who has a divine plan for each of us. Through the restored Gospel, we learn that our purpose extends beyond this mortal existence. We are here to learn, grow, and ultimately return to our Heavenly Father’s presence. This knowledge gives our lives meaning and motivates us to live with purpose, striving to become more like our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

2. Guidance in Decision-Making:

Religion also serves as a compass, guiding us through life’s many choices and decisions. Our faith gives us a set of moral standards and values that enable us to distinguish between good and wrong in a society where moral relativism is prevalent.  The teachings of the gospel, found in the scriptures and the words of modern-day prophets, offer us clear guidelines to follow. We can make choices that will draw us closer to our Heavenly Father and result in long-lasting happiness as we live our lives in accordance with these principles.

3. Peace in Times of Trial:

Life is filled with trials and challenges that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. “Religious and spiritual traditions give you access to different methods of coping that have distinctive benefits,” says Doug Oman, a professor in public health at the University of California Berkeley.

Christ’s gospel offers us a source of peace and comfort during these difficult times. Through prayer, scripture study, and attending church, we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father and feel His love and support. The knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles and that our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has overcome the world brings solace to our troubled hearts. Religion provides us with the assurance that there is a purpose to our trials and that they can refine us, making us stronger and more compassionate individuals.

4. Better mental and physical health:

The Guardian newspaper in December 2022 reported:

’…the evidence base linking faith to better health has been decades in the making and now encompasses thousands of studies. Much of this research took the form of longitudinal research, which involves tracking the health of a population over years and even decades. They each found that measures of someone’s religious commitment, such as how often they attended church, were consistently associated with a range of outcomes, including a lower risk of depression, anxiety and suicide and reduced cardiovascular disease and death from cancer.’

Studies have shown that church goers typically live 5-10 years longer on average than non-attenders.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, religion can play a vital role in our lives, offering us purpose, guidance, and peace. The restored gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a clear understanding of our divine nature and purpose. Through the Gospel, we can find meaning in our lives, make wise decisions, and find solace in times of trial.

Let us embrace the teachings of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and allow Him to transform our lives for the better. May we continually seek to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father and find the peace and joy that comes from living a life centred on faith.