Crafting a Christian Worldview
Developing a God-Centered View of Reality
Thanks for joining me in this brief introduction of the Christian worldview. I just wrote a Bible study on this topic that goes into much more detail which you can order here. As we journey together through this devotional, my prayer is that you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to “think Christianly” which will be better equip you to “walk faithfully” with Jesus Christ.
The Lens Through Which We See
Have you ever considered how you view the world around you? Each of us possesses a worldview – a set of beliefs and assumptions that shape our understanding of reality. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This verse challenges us to examine our thoughts and beliefs critically, ensuring they align with God’s truth and Christ’s Lordship. If God is the Creator and Sustainer of reality, then we need to see every sphere of it as he does, humanly speaking.
Imagine life as a vast puzzle, with countless pieces scattered before you. Without a clear picture to guide you, assembling those pieces would be a daunting task. Similarly, a biblical worldview provides the framework – the “puzzle box cover” if you will – that helps us make sense of life’s complexities.
The Grand Narrative
Our worldview is like a script for the grand story of all existence. The late Francis Schaeffer wisely compared life to entering a movie that’s already in progress, knowing we’ll have to leave before it ends. Without context, we’d be utterly lost. Thankfully, Scripture provides us with the complete script – from creation to redemption to the eventual restoration of all things.
Paul writes in Colossians 1:16-17, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This passage reminds us that Christ is at the center of this grand narrative, giving purpose and coherence to all of creation.
Take a moment to reflect on your life story. How does it fit within God’s larger story of redemption? Consider journaling about how your understanding of this grand story shapes your daily decisions and priorities.
The Foundation
At the heart of every worldview lies one’s conception of God. Is there a divine being? Is God personal or impersonal? These questions form the bedrock of our beliefs and profoundly influence how we live.
For the Christian, our understanding of God is rooted in his self-revelation through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. As Jesus declared, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). This intimate, personal God invites us into relationship, challenging the notion of a distant, impersonal deity.
C.S. Lewis, in his profound simplicity, once wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Our view of God illuminates every other aspect of our worldview.
Purpose and Ultimate Questions
A biblical worldview grapples with life’s deepest questions: Why are we here? What is our purpose? The Psalmist pondered, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).
In Christ, we find our ultimate purpose – to glorify God and enjoy him forever. This purpose infuses even the most mundane aspects of life with deep meaning.
Identify one area of your life where you struggle to see God’s purpose. How might viewing this area through the lens of glorifying God change your perspective and actions?
The Nature of Knowledge and Truth
In an age of relativism, a Christian worldview affirms that objective truth exists and can be known. Jesus himself declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This doesn’t mean we have all the answers, but it does mean we have a reliable foundation for seeking truth.
The Christian worldview encourages intellectual curiosity while anchoring our quest for knowledge in the fear of the Lord, which Proverbs tells us is “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Ethical Foundations
How do we determine right from wrong? A biblical worldview looks to God’s character and commands as the basis for ethics. As image-bearers of God, we’re called to reflect his holiness in our moral choices.
The prophet Micah succinctly summarized ethical living: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Identify a moral decision you’re facing. How does viewing it through the lens of God’s character and commands help you navigate the situation?
The Nature of Humanity
Finally, a Christian worldview offers a nuanced understanding of human nature. We are created in God’s image, imbued with dignity and worth. Yet, we’re also fallen, marred by sin and in need of redemption.
This balanced view helps us avoid the extremes of naive optimism or cynical despair about humanity. As Paul writes, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). This honest assessment of human nature points us to our ongoing need for grace and transformation in Christ.
Cultivating a Biblical Worldview
Developing a biblical worldview is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of renewal. As Paul exhorts us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
This transformation occurs as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in thoughtful reflection, and apply biblical truths to every area of life. It requires both individual effort and the support of a community of believers.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, emphasized the importance of “social holiness” – the idea that we grow in faith not in isolation, but in community. As you develop your biblical worldview, seek out fellow believers who can challenge, encourage, and sharpen your thinking.
Commit to a regular practice of studying Scripture and discussing its implications for your worldview with other believers. Consider joining or starting a small group focused on exploring how faith shapes our understanding of the world.
Key Principles
1. A biblical worldview provides a coherent framework for understanding reality. It helps us make sense of life’s complexities by rooting our perspective in God’s revealed truth.
2. Our view of God fundamentally shapes every other aspect of our worldview. A Christian worldview is centered on the personal, triune God who has revealed himself in Scripture and in the person of Jesus Christ.
3. Developing a biblical worldview is a lifelong process of transformation. It requires ongoing engagement with Scripture, thoughtful reflection, and application of biblical truths to every area of life.
Action Steps
1. Take time to examine your beliefs about God, humanity, purpose, knowledge, and ethics. Write down your current views and compare them with what Scripture teaches.
2. Choose one area of your life (e.g., work, relationships, finances) and intentionally consider how a biblical worldview should inform your attitudes and actions in that area. Make a specific plan to align your practices with biblical principles.
3. Commit to regular Scripture study focused on developing your biblical worldview. Choose a book of the Bible or a topical study that addresses worldview issues and spend time each day reading, reflecting, and praying through the material.
Thank you for taking the time to think about the importance of the Christian worldview with me. I encourage you to continue reflecting on how your worldview shapes your daily walk with Christ. If you’ve found this devotional helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit. And don’t forget to subscribe to Walking Points for more resources (that don’t go out via email) to help you walk faithfully with Jesus Christ as his disciple.
May God bless you as you seek to develop a worldview that honors him and transforms your life for his glory and the good of others.