Chattanooga, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., Roanoke, Va., Shreveport, La., and Charlotte, N.C.. These are purported to be the most Christian cities in the U.S., so, for a follower of Christ, they would seem to be the best place to live. Or would they?
We have been to all of them and, outwardly, they don’t seem any different, or better, than where we live at the moment; in the heart of Texas.
I have also seen lists of the top cities to live in economically. And the best for high tech; the best for shopping, partying, etc, etc, etc. What makes for a good place to live?
Having visited 49 of the 50 states (missing Alaska), I think I have discovered what makes the ideal place to live. It is not which city that one finds them self in that brings happiness, but rather, what one finds within themselves.
The most Christian city in America would be hell to an atheist. A shopping Mecca would drive me nuts, for like most men, I would rather not. And how could there be much happiness in a secular stronghold for an evangelical?
In his timeless work, “My Heart, Christ’s Home”, Robt Boyd Munger brings us to Eph 6:16,17. Are you searching for a place of true happiness? Try this out..: I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
My prayer for you is that you too will discover that the perfect place to live is anywhere that Christ lives. Open the door of your heart and invite him in. It will transform your city, and it will change you, wherever you go.
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