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.

Leadership: A Tale of Two Cities

Nali Hilderman’s love of women’s history and Christian theology gives her an impassioned desire to help women make a difference in today’s culture. In this Leadership UPGRADE, she challenges our thinking.

“While there are many different theories regarding leadership,” Nali says, “there are some key differences between how the world defines it and how the Bible defines it.”

I (Dawn) love to read leadership blogs—both Christian and secular, and I know she is right. A biblical perspective on leadership not only changes our motives; it also changes our methodology.

Nali continues . . .

In the fifth century, Saint Augustine wrote a now famous treatise titled “The City of God.” Augustine explained some key differences between the rule and attitude of the “city of man”— ruling empires of the world—and the “city of God” (which is made up of the followers of Christ and His church). 

This idea of comparison can be applied to theories related to leadership in today’s modern world. While there are many different theories regarding leadership, there are some key differences between how the world defines it and how the Bible defines it.

Colossians 2:8 commands us not to be taken captive by philosophies of this world, but rather to focus on Christ.

As Christ’s followers it is wise for us to understand these distinctions and seek to live out the principles of the City of God in our leadership.

Distinction #1

The City of Man considers power over others as a key component of leadership. Society tends to laud those who are wealthy, powerful and successful as leaders.

However, the City of God considers serving others as the key component of leadership. Christ admonished His disciples when they asked who will be the greatest among them. He told them they are not to rule as the Gentiles do. He says that the last shall be first in the Kingdom of Heaven and that He Himself did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:24-28). 

Ask yourself, “How am I using my leadership in regard to others? Am I lauding my power over others, or am I serving others for their betterment?

Distinction #2

The City of Man considers influence as a key descriptor of leadership. Society tends to value the number of blog posts, YouTube views, Twitter followers, and albums sold as indicators for who is “leading.” Often, leaders in the City of Man wield their influence for selfish and worldly gain. 

While the City of God also values influence as a key component of leadership, the purposes driving influence are wholly different.

We are not to lead for selfish gain, but are commanded in scripture to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

Also we are to pursue compassion, love, righteousness, and truth (Philippians 2:3-5, Colossians 3:12-15).

In his book, Creation Regained: A Reformational Worldview, author Albert Wolters challenges:

"Anything in creation can be directed either toward or away from God—that is, directed either in obedience or disobedience to His law. *

As you lead today, take time to reflect on whether your leadership is turning people towards fulfilling their own selfish ambition or towards a spirit of love and truth.

How you are wielding power and influence in the lives of others? Have you been “taken captive” by the world’s philosophy of leadership, or are you a woman pursuing the City of God and leading others in a biblical way?

Nali Hilderman is a professor of American history at San Diego Christian College and Director the college’s Dr. Henry Morris Leadership Program. She studies women’s history and Christian theology, trying to make sense of how to be a confident, successful Christian woman who does not buy into the secular feminist mentality. She attends Journey Community Church in La Mesa, California.

* Albert M. Wolters, Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview, (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2005), p. 49.