Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

Sally Ferguson's worldview informs everything she does, including how she parents. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she notes the pull of the world and suggests some ways we might open our children's eyes to the world in a godly way.

“Our children are exposed to the world’s view of life through television and the internet," Sally says. "I wanted to find a way to help them see God’s view of the world."

I (Dawn) love this approach to parenting. The world wants to open our children's eyes, but not always in the way we appreciate! How much better that parents think proactively and give their children a view of the world from heaven's perspective, especially a view of missions.

Sally continues . . .

Every time I travel to Uganda, I marvel at the joy I see in believers. Our view of trials is vastly different and worthy of note.

We have a lot to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world—their view of possessions does not dominate their view of their wealth.

How can a mom translate that to her children and cultivate a Christian worldview?

Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

1. Explore, Don't Shelter.

My peacekeeper personality has always wanted to shelter my children from the dangers and drama of this world. Instead, the news infiltrates all of society.

If we let it, this becomes an opportunity to discuss a Christ-like response to the events of our day.

Explore ideas. What are some ways you can talk about school shootings and political character assassinations? How can a Christian respond with faith rather than fear?

• Research topics together with reputable organizations like Answers in Genesis and Focus on the Family. (1)
• Take a road trip and visit The Museum of the Bible for perspective. (2)

2. Grab Their Passion.

Missionaries on furlough travel to share their experiences. Contact them ahead of time to fit into their schedule. You have an opportunity to hear their stories over a meal or an outing. You’ll find contagious enthusiasm about the world from their vantage point. (3)

When our missionaries and their four children came to our home for a visit, my kids had a grand time playing and hearing about life in Africa.

We took them to a state park where they enjoyed the lush scenery and hiking paths. It was a win for all.

3. Encourage Their Questions.

Spark your child's curiosity by looking up the location of missionaries on the globe. (4)

• Talk about the details of traveling there, living there, and interacting with the culture.
• What do they eat?
• What language do they speak?
• How do they get to school?

My friend Dani hosts dinners for her children. They:

• research a country,
• wear costumes to imitate the local style,
• eat native foods,
• and practice some words in the language of that country.

Her children are learning to embrace other cultures.

4. Stamp your Passport.

The family that travels together celebrates life!

We are a part of an intricate human race. Open up a world of possibilities to your children by taking them on missions trips. Not only does a team invest in the culture, but it also invests in each other as a support system while together.

Your child will connect with adults who have a mindset to serve and learn.

When you immerse yourself in another culture, you experience it with all five senses on high alert.

People become more than names—they take on the warm flesh of humanity.

One of our church trips to Africa included three family units. They created a lifetime of memories in their travels and made room in their hearts for others. Thirteen years later, those families still talk about the adventure they had together.

5. Lead by Example.

Children imitate what they see us do.

Our involvement with global issues informs their willingness to get involved. Inspire them to think outside the box.

• Could they set up a lemonade stand or mow lawns to raise money for child sponsorship?
• Could they draw pictures or write to encourage a child across the globe?

My friend Debbie includes her granddaughters in visits to shut-ins. They make someone else’s day with their artwork while learning to serve.

As a country, America has been blessed with abundance. In Romans 15:27, Paul says it is right for us to share our material blessings with those who bless us spiritually.

I have seen a wealth of joy come from the most humble of circumstances and realized I am the impoverished one. We could never outgive that gift of joy.

Let your children experience the world with you—in tow.

Let faith inform your conversations and provide a solid foundation as they move toward adulthood.

Instead of raising worldly children, let’s raise world-class Christians.

How will you show your child the world?

Sally Ferguson is a teacher of God’s Word and a student of people. Whether leading retreats or small groups, she loves to see the light shine when hope abounds. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad. Her current project is a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with her at sallyferguson.net.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Alexa's Fotos at Pixabay.

References in the article:

(1) https://answersingenesis.org/,  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/culture/

(2) https://www.museumofthebible.org/k-12-programs

(3) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2022/4/12/how-to-champion-your-missionaries.html

(4) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2021/9/10/helping-your-children-dream.html

Does Your Worldview 'Work'?

At one point in my walk with God, I (Dawn) found my worldview wanting. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, I want to invite you to take a moment to examine your own worldview.

"Christianity is like a flashlight," Andy Bannister said. "People judge a worldview by how well it lights things up. And by how well it works."

Andy Bannister is Canadian Director of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the author of The Atheist Who Didn't Exist, a book that dissects some of the popular arguments advanced by "media-savy atheists."

Few would question the first part of his quote. We are, after all, told to be lights in the world in order to bring glory to our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:14-16).

But Andy also stressed the importance of a worldview that holds up under scrutiny. I've been increasingly concerned that many Christians today don't have a worldview that "works."

What I mean by that is, when the world watches us, do people see us content in our confidence in the Lord, or constantly struggling to believe.

(If we're struggling, we likely have misplaced trust.)

What I mean by that is, do people see us compartmentalizing our faith or enjoying a worldview that satisfies all of our life—we find our emotional, mental, physical, spiritual needs met in Christ.

(If not, what have we substituted for Him who is our life?)

What I mean by that is, do we have a worldview that "delivers on its promises."

 (If our worldview doesn't deliver, it's not God's fault.)

Our youth, in particular, are casting off the "religion" of their parents because they don't see its relevance for today.

Parents, many of our kids have grown up seeing a worldview that doesn't work. Or at least, they didn't understand how it works because we have muddied the truth.

A Christian worldview is more than transferable concepts and a neatly packaged Christian philosophy. 

A Christian worldview should accurately reflect who Christ is and who we are in Him. 

Del Tackett defined Christian Worldview in these terms for Focus on the Family:

"A worldview is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world." And "A biblical worldview is based on the infallible Word of God."

Perhaps biblical worldview is a better term than Christian worldview, because there are so many in Christianity today who are diluting and redefining biblical truth. These non-biblical ideas come from various "voices" in the culture (film, books, etc.) and often get incorporated into our worldviews. Maybe we aren't even conscious of the changes in the way we're thinking and believing. 

There are many options for worldviews in our world (Marxism, Pagan Mysticism, Islam, Scientology, etc.), but Christians must have a truly biblical worldview if they want to lead their children into God's transforming truth (Romans 12:2).

It matters, too, if we want people to see the difference God's Word makes in our lives.

We can say, "I'm a Christian, so I have a Christian worldview"—and be totally deceived. 

But an authentic, born-again believer walking with God in a biblical worldview will spread a fragrance of life in the world! (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

So we need to ask ourselves two questions:

1. Is my belief system founded and grounded in the Bible—the Word of God?

Or is it simply my personal interpretation of reality?

2. Does my worldview "work"?

Does it hold up in today's culture because it is God-inspired timeless truth that gives me stability and strength—no matter my circumstances?

Jesus, the Son of God and the Living Word, says He is the truth (John 1:1, 14; 14:6). We need to be sure our worldview reflects Him in every way.

Would your neighbors say your worldview "works"? Is it a truly biblical worldview? Do you need to UPGRADE your worldview?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God(with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego). She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, Åse Bjøntegård Oftedal, Stocknapio.

See the 'Wows' of This Day

How many "Wow" moments have you seen or experienced already today?

Each of us chooses our perspective on life. We choose our overall worldview, certainly; but also, we choose how we will live based on our worldview.

Long ago, as a homeschool mom, I asked my boys to finish this statement: "Life is a _____." One son had two answers. "Life is a party," he said. "Life is an adventure!" This really didn't surprise me. Those answers reflected his fun, go-getter approach to practically everything.

My other son analyzed the question - so typical of him. He then responded, "Life is a struggle." I felt like I had a little budding philosopher on my hands. But at the time, this son was struggling with some life issues. It took some effort to get him to alter his approach and declare, "Life is a challenge." With his competitive nature, that was a more positive view.

I needed a viewpoint adjustment recently. I was growing weary with some daily concerns, bogged down in the mundane and having a hard time seeing any vision for change. Then a caring Sister-Girlfriend asked,

"Where did you see God's hand today?"

It was a simple question, but oh my, God's Spirit used her question to prick my conscience. I get so self-focused. It's hard to see God's hand when I'm only looking at my own. It's hard to understand God's heart, His thoughts, when I'm constantly turning inward.

I need more upward glances throughout my day. You likely do too.

That day, as I paused to think about the situations troubling me, I did indeed sense the presence of God; and that makes all the difference.

I saw that He was with me in a moment of temptation, giving me grace to do right. He was just as surely with me when I blew it - offering mercy and forgiveness. He was with me when physical pain made me grumpy, showing me how to suffer well (or at least, better). God was with me in moments of frustration, teaching me to believe He is in control; and in a situation I deemed hopeless, encouraging me to trust Him completely.

The more I considered my day, the more I realized I was never alone for one minute - and I saw so many "wows" of God's presence active in my life, the beauty of His provision and the constancy of His care.

We get so caught up in our stuff, don't we? Maybe this is why God calls us to daily, consistent communion with Him. I visited the chair in the photo (above) today in a time of quiet reflection. My Father God wants to "WOW" me with Himself.

How has God "wowed" you with His presence? Take a moment to thank Him.

Dawn Wilson is the founder of Heart Choices Ministries and creator of UpgradeWithDawn.com. Dawn's ministry encourages, edifies and energizes women with the truth of scripture so they can better enjoy life, bless others and honor God.