Personal Worldview - Essay Example

Personal Worldview Introduction The interpretation and interaction within the world is based on the framework known as a worldview. There are a variety of issues and perspectives surrounding any worldview, but for Christians, the worldview stems from the teachings of the Bible. Therefore, the Christian worldview is known as the biblical worldview. Genesis 1:1 states that “God created the heavens and the earth,” which shows that God is the center of this worldview. Christians turn to God and forge a relationship with Him. This paper will look to present my Christian worldview and explain my relationship and commitment to God. Discussion The fact of the matter is that every single person has a worldview. Even the people who dismiss the concept of having a worldview still have a worldview. A worldview is parable to colored spectacles, in that it paints everything being viewed by the viewer, and each viewer sees their world differently. All fields, decisions, and faculties of life are dependent on that individual’s worldview. Values or lack thereof stem from a person’s worldview. A worldview is usually adopted by a community or a family. In some instances, a worldview is intentional, in other instances they simply exist without much thought. Worldviews can be altered as people grow older and as their circumstances change. In some cases, our worldview could change to a more liberal worldview; in others, perhaps as people search for purpose and meaning they turn to God, sometimes discovering Him for the very first time. Initially, my worldview was a Christian one. I was raised in a strict Catholic home. I attended Catholic school from K-12. We attended mass every Sunday. I was happy with my worldview and have always felt secure and loved by God, and I never had a doubt that He created me for a reason. When I was in my twenties I decided to step out of the Catholic arena and search for a church that did not rely on the Catholic doctrine. As I grew older I felt that I did not want to go through the Saints and Mary to have them intervene on my behalf. I longed for a personal relationship with Jesus without all of the red tape. After joining a Bible study I finally read the Bible for the first time. We read portions of it in our theology classes throughout Catholic school, but I must admit there was not much discussion. As I transitioned from one religion to another, my worldview changed for the better as I got to know God. I truly felt like God turned on the light in my world. Psalm 118:27 says that “God is the Lord, And He has given us light,” and I feel that this perfectly describes the changes that I encountered when I got to know Him on a more personal level. As a Christian, I now turn to God and to the scriptures He provided to help me make all of my decisions. I look to God to tell me how to live my life. God has called us to himself to establish and maintain a relationship with Him. 1 Corinthians 1:24 says, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” I long to understand how God thinks and to know exactly what He expects me to do. There is great comfort knowing that God created me for a purpose. Even during hectic times He is there along side me, leading the way. Psalm 143:8 states, “Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.“ I trust that God can lead me to where He wants me to be, and I can’t get there without Him. When He calls me to a new place that requires more purity of heart, more faith, and more obedience I trust that He will give me the strength through the gospel and the holy spirit to succeed. Isaiah 48:10 says, “I have refined you, but not as silver, I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.“ God not only calls on me to himself, but He expects me to maintain a relationship with Him. This relationship requires me to study His Word and to discern over my decisions. Every decision I make and every reaction I make should be one in alliance with God’s will. “The true understanding of God for me is to live my life in the way he wants me to live it. My goal is to be Christ centered in all things (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008).” Decisions pertaining to my children, how I raise them, what they should and shouldn’t be exposed to all are God-centered. Being a loving mother, a good wife, a dutiful daughter is based on God’s purpose for my life. My relationship with Him has shaped my worldview. There are three expressions of callings from God (Smith, 1999). God pursues a continual relationship and purpose for my life. The first expression of His call into my life was to follow Jesus. Because Jesus took my place on Calvary, God demonstrated how much He loved me. My responsibility was to accept the invitation and follow Christ. Romans 5:8 says that “God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The second call is unique for each of us. Since God has given us different talents and blessings it is our duty to use those blessing to spread the news of His Son. Any gifts that God bestowed upon us should be used to expand His kingdom and share the gospel. The third call creates a responsibility and commitment on my part. This is where I take the love that God has shown me, the wisdom of knowing His word, and the blessings He gave me to spread the news of His Son. As a Christian, I know that the basic duty God has called me to do is to serve others (Smith, 1999). In Mark 10:45 it is perfectly described that “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.“ Taking that to heart every day humbles me to do what I can for others. Even with time constraints and money constraints I can serve God, as well as serve others. Since I work while having three kids to take care of, my time is precious and in short supply, yet I make it a point to volunteer at church every Sunday in the Children’s ministry. Time does not allow me to be a Sunday school teacher these days, but even directing people to the classrooms is helpful and needed. Other ways I serve others is to donate each month to a Christian camp in Texas that we use to attend. The monthly donation adds up and each year it is sufficient enough to allow at least one camper to attend free of charge. Since we used to attend that camp with our church I know that most of the kids from various churches only get to go because it is free to those in need. I used to see firsthand the excitement in the children’s faces as they heard stories from the Bible for the first time. God placed that upon my heart to donate monthly and I know my small donation might plant a seed in a heart that otherwise would not have been planted. By following God’s will to live a life of obedience and to serve others, I can live freely as God intended me to live (Smith, 1999). Other ways I am called as a Christian is to respond with openness and honesty, but also with grace towards those I differ with (Smith, 1999). Living in a secular world requires me to deal with people who may not feel the same way I feel about different topics or choices. It is always important for me to treat them with respect even though I may disagree. Without being judgmental I can make my own position known. Knowing that there may not be a meeting of the minds on some issues, grace and respect should always be apparent. The Jesus in me that people see will hopefully plant a seed of a life they wish to have. If we share the world of the Gospel, it will become evident that to worship the One God, love the Christ, obey parents, show kindness toward our fellow beings, escape from debauchery and strictly observing chastity, honesty and integrity, that these are essential to make the world a peaceful and prosperous world (Smith, 1999) . As a child of God, I am grateful that He sent His Son to earth to die for me, and I feel honored and blessed to live the life that God sought for me. References Pearcey, N. (2009). Total truth: Liberating Christianity from its cultural captivity. Wheaton, IL :Crossway Books. Phillips, G.W., Brown, W.E., & Stonestreet, J. (2008). Making sense of your worldview: A Biblical worldview. Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing Company. Smith, G.T. (1999). Courage and calling: Embracing your God-given potential. Westmont, IL: InterVarsity Press. Read More