A Christian Worldview Is the World’s View Filtered Through God’s Truth
What Is a Worldview?
A worldview is something all of us have, yet few of us consciously think of. A worldview is a comprehensive, panoramic perspective from a particular standpoint.
We view life through our own set of lenses. Many people—myself included—wear glasses. And when I put my glasses on, it changes my perspective.
If you wear glasses a lot, like many of us, I’m sure sometimes you just forget you have your glasses on. Have you ever done that? I have. It's embarrassing.
But it’s a lot like having a blind spot while you’re driving. If you don’t choose a worldview, you’ll be pulled into relativism—and you’ll have a blind spot.
By contrast, the Bible says in John 8:32 (CSB), “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What Is a Christian Worldview?
The world will tell you there is no absolute truth, which is an oxymoron because that statement, in and of itself, is an absolute truth! There is truth that is universal in every situation and circumstance.
God has made His truth evident to every person. In Romans 1:20, it says, “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
And again in Psalms 19:1–2, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
When we discard God’s truth, we slip into relativism. Sadly, too many Christians ping pong from God's worldview to man's worldview.
What Are the Differences Between a Christian Worldview and a Secular Worldview?
There are clear differences between a Christian worldview and the viewpoint from the world’s perspective.
6 Differences Between a Christian Worldview vs. a Secular Worldview
#1. God-centered vs. man-centered
#2. Transcendent truth vs. subjective truth
#3. External truth vs. temporal truth
#4. Logically consistent vs. illogically absurd
#5. Comprehensive vs. compartmentalized
#6. A high view of man vs. a low view of man
What Worldview Should We Follow?
Following Christ gives us the most consistent worldview. We can discern what is right and wrong when we follow Christ’s example.
Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than Christ.” God wants us to have understanding, which is standing under His worldview.
Today our values are under attack from the secular worldview. There are attacks on our freedom of speech, on the sanctity of life, and on the sanctity of marriage.
Adopting Jesus’ worldview
We define right and wrong by who God is. Matthew 22:37–39 tells us plainly how God wants us to think and behave. “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.’”
What is your God-given worldview?
Why am I here? As adults, we often ask ourselves this question. Or did I just emerge from a bowl of prebiotic soup? Was I just a bunch of random molecules moving around? Or am I made in the image of God?
These questions need to be answered by cultivating a Biblical worldview.
What worldview should Christians have?
- We live by absolute truth, not relative truth. God is the source of our truth. He doesn’t change or adapt to society or to modern psychology.
- We see scripturally and think theologically. We study the Scriptures and use them to guide us.
- We love God and love others. We don’t condone other’s actions, nor do we condemn. See Matthew 22:37–39 (see above).
4 Ways to Filter a Secular Worldview Through God’s Truth
When you feel bombarded by the world, filter your thoughts through Scripture. Just like an HVAC system filters dirt out of the air, our worldview filters out what the secular world is trying to make us believe.
Here are four ways to focus on God’s truth rather than a secular point of view:
#1. In a secular worldview, truth is relative, but God’s truth is absolute.
#2. In a secular worldview, feelings replace facts. But in a Christian worldview, emotions are a byproduct of truth.
#3. In a secular worldview, I glorify myself. But in a Christian worldview, I glorify God.
#4. In a secular worldview, I seek happiness. But in a Chrstian worldview, I seek holiness.
How Does a Christian Worldview Change My Behavior?
Sin reintroduces the concept of personal responsibility. When you accept personal responsibility for your sins and quit the chicanery, then you'll be ready to live.
It's not about blaming others or blaming society. It's not about your background or your family of origin. It's sin.The “s” word.
Because of my biggest problem—sin—my greatest need is forgiveness. I've got to humble myself before God's mighty hand and ask for forgiveness.That’s humility. That’s when the worldview comes into focus.
The world will tell you it doesn’t matter how you behave because everything is supposed to be tolerated. We end up tolerating sin. But it’s possible to love the sinner without tolerating the sin.
When you believe in God’s absolute truth, your behavior changes. Your emotions are established by His truth. The result is that you glorify God and reflect Him in everything you do.
Evaluate Your Worldview
Jesus said in Matthew 7:24–25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”
Where have you built your foundation? What is your worldview?
Next Steps
Have you been trying to do things your own way? Has looking at things from the viewpoint of the world allowed sin to creep into your life? Today is the day to ask God to forgive you and restore your relationship with Him.
Maybe you’ve never had a personal relationship with Jesus, or you’ve been away a long time. That doesn’t matter. He’s waiting with open arms for you.
Visit us in person or online at Fellowship Church to learn more.