The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

In public service, people often ask what guides your decisions. For me, the answer is simple: faith, family, and a belief that our communities are strongest when we remain grounded in timeless values.

Over the years, I’ve often said, “There’s no downside to Jesus.” Some people hesitate when they hear it, but I mean it sincerely. Faith does not make life perfect, but it gives people purpose, hope, accountability, community, and strength during difficult times. Those are not just spiritual benefits. Increasingly, they are backed by research and reflected in the lives of families and communities across America.

At a time when loneliness, anxiety, depression, addiction, and social division are rising, many Americans are searching for meaning and connection. We live in an era where people are more digitally connected than ever before, yet many feel isolated and disconnected from one another. Strong families, local churches, and faith communities help fill that void.

Recent surveys have found that people who regularly attend church report higher levels of happiness, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging. One survey highlighted by Christian media outlets found that regular churchgoers were significantly more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” and optimistic about life. Another recent report found that many American churchgoers describe experiencing deeper faith, stronger communities, and greater personal resilience through active participation in congregational life.

I found these survey results unsurprising. When families worship together, volunteer together, pray together, and build friendships within a church community, they create support systems that government programs simply cannot replicate. Churches care for the less fortunate, mentor young people, support marriages, help struggling families, comfort grieving neighbors, and encourage people to live lives focused on service rather than self-interest.

For generations, churches have also helped form the moral and civic foundations of America. Faith communities teach honesty, compassion, discipline, forgiveness, personal responsibility, and service to others. Those values strengthen neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities.

This matters especially for children. Young people today are growing up in a culture that often tells them their identity is based on popularity, politics, social media approval, or material success. Faith reminds us that every person has inherent worth and purpose because they are created by God. That message provides stability in an unstable world.

Family plays an equally important role. Strong families remain the first and most important institution in society. Long before government, schools, or social media influence a child’s life, mothers and fathers shape character, values, work ethic, and worldview. Healthy families create healthy communities.

As legislators, we cannot solve every problem through laws or government spending. Public policy matters, but culture matters too. Communities thrive when people care for one another, when parents are engaged in their children’s lives, when neighbors know each other, and when faith remains a visible and respected part of public life.

That does not mean government should force religion on anyone. Religious freedom is one of America’s greatest blessings. But we also should not be afraid to acknowledge the positive role faith plays in the lives of millions of Americans.

Far too often today, people of faith are portrayed as outdated or out of touch. Yet the evidence increasingly shows that people who participate in faith communities often experience greater social connection, higher levels of volunteerism, stronger support networks, and improved well-being.

For those who may feel disconnected, discouraged, or simply searching for something more meaningful in life, I would encourage you to consider visiting a local church or joining a faith community. The survey results increasingly show that regular participation in a church community can improve your outlook on life, strengthen relationships, and provide the kind of connection and support that many people may be missing today. You do not have to have everything figured out before walking through the doors. Faith communities are filled with imperfect people simply trying to grow, serve others, and walk through life together.

In Wisconsin, we are blessed with communities filled with churches, schools, charities, veterans’ organizations, small businesses, and local groups that quietly strengthen the social fabric every single day. Much of that work happens without headlines or recognition. It happens because people feel called to serve others. That spirit of service is something worth protecting.

My faith shapes how I approach public service. It reminds me that leadership should be rooted in humility, integrity, compassion, and responsibility to others. It reminds me that every person deserves dignity and respect. And it reminds me that there are some truths and values bigger than politics.

Government cannot replace faith, family, or community. In many ways, those institutions are what make self-government possible in the first place.

And after all these years, I still believe this wholeheartedly:

There’s no downside to Jesus.

In public service, people often ask what guides your decisions. For me, the answer is simple: faith, family, and a belief that our communities are strongest when we remain grounded in timeless values.

– Knodl, R-Germantown, represents the 24th Assembly District.