By Kerry Knight, Minister, Emerald Beach Church of Christ
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.
(Hebrews 11:16)
Back in 2024, a group developed a list of the happiest countries in the world. Researchers analyzed comprehensive Gallup polling data from 143 countries over the last three years, specifically monitoring performance in several categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, and so forth. Those countries rating very high in the “happy” categories were Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and even Israel.
The United States came in at #23, just below the UK at #20, while the least happy countries in the world were Afghanistan at #143, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and DR Congo. Now, before you decide to move, let’s examine a more life-changing consideration. Maybe the happiest place to consider hanging your hat may not be in “this world” at all. The Bible says the best country of all is the “heavenly” one. No, I’m not suggesting you make your exit too soon. I am encouraging you to make preparations for a better place. In Psalm 16:11, the writer states, “You will show me the path of life; In your presence (that’s heaven) is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
If you are not saved by the grace of God, having obeyed Him through faith, you need to make preparations for your future. Jesus said in Mark 16:16: “he that believes and is baptized shall be saved…”. Let us know if we can help you in making the right choices to find your heavenly home.
Emerald Beach Church of Christ is located at 301 Alf Coleman Road.
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