Just what is my worldview?
In last week’s blog we talked about a worldview – the perspective we each have on humanity’s view of life’s circumstances in the here and now – and established that there are only two: God’s and man’s. If you have taken the time to prayerfully examine just what it is you really want and given substance to the ideas you have about how you ‘look’ at the world, as suggested in the previous blog, you have a starting point for Do I have a biblical worldview?
WARNING: Beware of Syncretism – a subtle blend of worldly and biblical views. It is a form of heresy (anything that adds TO or takes FROM the Gospel message) that subtly erodes the effective unity in the body of Christ.
Here is a simple checklist for a believer (be open to the Lord’s voice concerning these):
IF: you have settled and been comfortable with the way things are and “begin(s) to revert to old ways of thinking...”
THEN: you just MIGHT be slipping into syncretism.
Enjoying life and the fellowship of others is a vital attribute of a genuinely biblical worldview. However, there is no “settling down” for Christians. We are “aliens and strangers” in the world and this sense of temporary residence is a crucial component of a biblical worldview.
IF: you have compartmentalized your thinking into what you apply ‘Christian’ standards and ‘world’ standards to; if you have designated your time as a commodity that is counted as ‘work’ time, ‘God’ time and ‘me’ time (that maximizes comfort and fulfillment)
THEN: you just MIGHT be slipping into syncretism
Man’s worldview says that YOU are paramount. How often do we hear ‘but what about me? What about MY needs?’ The world tells us that YOU need to be ‘happy’ as if it’s something we must continuously seek or manufacture for this life to be worthwhile. (Not to mention self- defeating since it isn’t possible to maintain)
The biblical worldview is starkly different. God’s Word does not sit quietly in one compartment of your life. If you want the full benefit of the love of God, the freedom of Christ, the power of the Spirit, and the contentedness and joy of a life directed by Him, then “God is Lord of all, or not at all” – Hudson Taylor, missionary to China.
IF: you are not accountable to anyone; you don’t need to pray ‘all the time’ or study the scriptures; you can forsake assembling with the body because you don’t ‘need’ that every week; nobody can ‘tell’ you anything because only God can ‘judge’ you; you need to ‘shop’ for a church that suits your needs
THEN: you just MIGHT be slipping into syncretism
When while describing your fellowship with other believers you are using words like ‘what I do or don’t need’ or ‘judgment and condemnation’ you are kicking against the goads. God says we need each other:
‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ Mark 12:31.
And He has established what our true ‘needs’ are with respect to one another. One of the purposes of fellowship is to be accountable to one another for support and encouragement to do what’s best for US. It takes a flock to protect us all. It isn’t always easy, but discipline never is. But it is bearable when you understand that LOVE motivates true accountability and the actions of God. When your heart is hard you mistake the gentle tug of His conviction for the lash of condemnation. Don’t be misled!!
Hebrews 12:5-6 “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.’”
IF: you are experiencing true persecution
THEN: you just MIGHT have a biblical worldview!
First and foremost, you must have a biblical understanding of ‘persecution’ and what it isn’t. Being attacked in any way for your religious beliefs is persecution. Not being afforded privilege because of your religious beliefs is discrimination.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” Timothy 3:12.
If you are experiencing a high level of persecution it is a good indicator that your viewpoint lines up with God’s.
So, how did you do? Hopefully, you have been encouraged by what you have discovered and were able to identify areas in your worldview that need tightening up. In any case, pray continually and without ceasing ‘…to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…’ Ephesians 3:20 for His discipline and guidance.
Always remember that He loves us and covets our fellowship. Be blessed today!
