The Church as a "Blue Zone"

In a recent AARP magazine I read an article by researcher and New York Times best selling author, Dan Buettner, who wrote, “The Blue Zones.” Dan and his team from National Geographic, have searched the world for areas where people live the longest, specifically centenarians, called ‘Blue Zones.‘ Having identified these populations (such as Sardina; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, CA; Okinawa, Japan) they studied their lifestyles and identified some common denominators that contributed to both their longevity and their happiness.  As I read the AARP article and the Nine denominators listed on Bluezone.com, I realized how a good church could be a blue zone. Consider their listing followed by Biblical truth.

Purpose: “Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.”

              "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul...and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27

Down shift: “These populations had routines that shed stress. Adventists pray...”
    “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” Philippians 4:6

Belong: “All but five of the 263 centenarians we interviewed belonged to some faith-based community.  Denomination doesn’t seem to matter. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.”
    “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

Right Tribe : “The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created ”moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So long-lived people’s health behaviors have been favorably shaped by their social networks.”
    “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Plant Slant: “Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most     centenarian diets. Meat—mostly pork—is eaten on average only five times per month.”
    “I give every green plant for food...” Genesis 1:30 (Anyone who has come to a church ‘potluck’ dinner has had 3-bean salad and chili.

Find Your Soul Mate: “People in long-term committed relationships suffer less stress and live longer with fewer diseases. Multiple studies have shown that married people are two times more likely to be happy than non-married people.”
    “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him... she shall be called ‘woman.’ Genesis 2:18 & 23

Create a Sunny Sanctuary: “You can increase happiness by creating a room at home where you can play an instrument, enjoy a hobby, read a book or spend time with family.”
    “Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.” Ps.150:1 Nothing better than joining with church “family”, singing and playing and reading The Book!

Ignite your passion for Compassion: “Giving feels good, and several studies have shown that givers tend to be happier people...Volunteer...”
    “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Wine @ 5:  "People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly.  Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1-2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can’t save up all weekend and have 14 drinks on Saturday.
    The Apostle’s Paul advice to young Timothy; “Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it’s good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you.” 1 Timothy 5:23

       Maybe Dan could have saved all that time and money in research and just attended Sunday School classes.
    If you are serious about living long, I invite you to join us Easter Sunday (10:45AM) to hear the truth about living eternally.