A “world view”, as defined by James Olthuis, is the “Framework or set of fundamental beliefs through which we view the world and our vocation and future in it, the integrating and interpretive framework by which the world order is judged.” and disorder, and the standard by which reality is managed and pursued.” It is the set of hinges on which all our daily thinking and doing revolves.”
Our worldviews affect everything in our lives. They determine our decisions, our moral choices, and which friends we will choose to unite our lives with. If you think about it daily, it affects everything from which emotions to choose when someone passes you on the freeway, to which TV show to turn on or off. It is what our parents instilled in us and what sometimes God has to deliver us from. It is the image of what is morally good or bad in our lives.
Every believer seems to have a slightly different set of values in their lives. I think this could be due in large part to his individual worldviews. The Scriptures establish a pattern of holiness, righteous living, and self-control. Society, on the other hand, gives us as high a standard of living as possible, going from one relationship to the next, and just take a look at some of the most current TV shows like “wife swapping.” If my worldview says this is acceptable. I receive it and observe it out of interest and freedom. If my worldview says this is immoral and anti-Christian, I choose to ban the show and not allow any of my children to watch it. The latter is my choice, as my worldview is based on scripture, holy living, and loving others like Christ.
My worldview depends on scripture: “All scripture is inspired by God.” I believe that the word of God should be interpreted literally, not figuratively, and clinging to the comforting scripture: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
If I hit a gray area in my life, and I’m not sure what course of action to take, I turn to scripture for guidance. Most of the people in the world, I would say, are used to relying on the intellect for their course of direction and destiny. I much prefer Jean over the Holy Spirit and the word of God, than my own brain.
I would like to offer one last example of a difference between my worldview and that of a relative in another state. My cousin believes that it is acceptable to live with a man before marriage, get a taste of what is to come, and she has a very open view of the Scriptures. So much so that she even allows other family members to drink and party in front of her without objection.
My worldview would not force the above family members to stop drinking, but I do take a stand, in love, for what is morally right according to scripture. My worldview keeps me safe, guides my steps, and is a source of constant comfort and joy because it is based on God’s Word. When I think of the best benefit of my worldview, it has to be the “joy” that comes with it. If I ever had a spiritual name it is “Joy” because I love to laugh and bring out the best in the children I work with, my husband, and my immediate family. After all, my worldview is based on Scripture. The Bible declares that:
“Eternal joy will be on my head.” That’s why I base my worldview on the Bible, because it gives me hope and joy for today, and for my destiny dates in Christ Jesus tomorrow.
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