In a Christian worldview
the Bible is the standard by which we base all our understanding. We look to
its pages to lay the foundation for our understanding not just of God but for
things such as creation and our purpose here on earth.
The Question of Origin –
(How did life begin? How did mankind come into existence?)
The question of origin
is one that is pivotal in formulating a biblically based worldview. The Bible
begins with the foundational account of the creation story. Genesis 1 speaks to
the creation of what we in view as the universe and everything in it, from the
stars in the night sky to the sand on the beach we witness the creators work
all around us. When Genesis 2:7 speaks to the creation of man from the dust of
the earth life began when God breathed into His creation. We see a similar
scenario recorded in Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones. Upon God’s
direction in Ezekiel 37 the prophet speaks over the bones and the bodies are
formed but life does not enter them until God breathes into them. Thus
life began when the breath of God entered into man. John 1:3-4 goes
further and indicates that Jesus is the true source of life “all things were
created.”
The Question of Identity –
(What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than animals?)
The question of humanity
raises so many possibilities. In a Biblical worldview to be human means to be
created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26) But as we continue to read in that
same verse we were not just created by God to exist, God created all life the
beasts of the field and the birds of the air and we were created to rule over
it; Genesis 1:28 says man is to “subdue” the earth. God’s plan for man
was not just to be a part in kind of His glorious creation, His intention all
along was to have a Father/Child relationship. He desires an intimate
relationship with His creation. God initiated this relationship with
creation, James 4:8 illustrates that the next move is ours, God desires to be
in relationship with us, as our heavenly father He desires to be close to us
but it requires action on our part.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose –
(Why does mankind exist? Why do I exist?)
Questions of origins and
identity are often easy to resolve but when it comes to the question of
purpose, why are we here, why do I exist type of questions the answer can be
much more challenging when it actually should be the easiest question for us to
address. Ultimately we exist to glorify God. Thomas Watson the puritan
pastor said that “the glory of God is a silver thread which must run through
all our actions.”[2] 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:11 both
speak to that end. Our purpose is here on Earth the meaning of all life
ultimately is to bring glory to the name of God. Why? Acts 17:27 tells us that
God established the world this way with a purpose, to draw all men to Him, our
purpose is to glorify Him so that the world around us might see God.
The Question of Morality –
(What is meant by right and wrong? How should I live?)
The question of right
and wrong is answered through the lens by which you view the world. Those
holding to a Christian worldview interpret morality based not on mans every
changing standard but by God’s unchanging word. Proverbs 14:12 indicates
that left to our own choices we would surely die, rather we should be living by
Philippians 4:8 seeking to bring honor to God in all things.
The Question of Destiny –
(Is there life after death? What will happen to me when I die?)
A question that often
haunts men and women from the time they are old enough to comprehend till the
day they die. But that doesn’t have to be the case. In a Christian worldview
the answer is yes there is life after death! We have been promised eternal life
in heaven with God thanks to Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. We don’t
do anything earn this it is a free gift for those who believe and place their
faith in Christ to be their Lord and Savior. (Romans 3:23) Those who chose not
to believe or reject God’s provision face eternal separation from Him. (Matthew
25:46) Regardless of an individual’s choice it is an eternal one, once we leave
this world we cannot change our decision. Luke 16:26 makes this clear here we
see that the choices of this life determine our eternal destiny, and once death
has taken place, that destiny is fixed.[3]
How might/should a
biblical worldview influence the
way you…
…think about, treat, and speak to others on a
daily basis?
“Understanding a
person's worldview can help you communicate with them better as well as help
you understand what they believe and why they act in a certain way.”[4] The Bible goes into great detail on how we
should interact with others. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind to one another;
it tells us to forgive as Christ forgave us. In John 15:12 Jesus tells his disciples
to love one another as he loved them. These verses and the countless others all
command to show respect and love for those around us, and not just those with
whom we share our faith but also with those who would persecute us. (Proverbs
24:17; Luke 6:27)
…decide on a future
career (what you will choose and/or how you will carry it out)?
Choosing a career is a
big decision no doubt. Colossians 3:23 gives a clear directive that whatever
your career choice is the work is to be done such to glorify God because you
are working for God not man. Doesn’t matter if you are digging ditches,
dictating foreign policy, or standing in the pulpit on Sunday morning. In
choosing your career you look to God’s word and it will direct your path. Psalm
119:105
Works Cited
[2] Watson,
Thomas. "Man's Chief End Is to Glorify God." Man's Chief End Is to
Glorify God. Accessed July 15, 2015.
[3] MacDonald,
William, and Arthur L. Farstad. Believer's Bible Commentary. 4th
ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.
[4] Weider,
L., & Gutierrez, B. (2014). Finding your worldview: Thinking Christianity about the world.
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