How Your "Worldview" Affects Everything In Your Life
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A "worldview" as James Olthuis defines it is the "Framework or set of fundamental beliefs though which we view the world and our calling and future in it, the integrative and interpretative framework by which order and disorder are judged, and the standard by which reality is managed and pursued." It is the set of hinges on which all our everyday thinking and doing turns." Our worldviews affect everything in our life. They determine our decisions, our moral choices, and what friends we will choose to join our lives. If you think about it on a daily basis-it affects everything from what emotions to choose when someone cuts you off on the freeway, to what television program to turn on or off. It's what our parents ingrained in us and sometimes God has to deliver us from. It's the picture of what is morally good or bad in our lives. Every believer seems to have a bit different set of values in their lives. I believe this could be largely due to their individual worldviews. Scripture sets up a pattern of holiness, right living, and self-control. Society, on the other hand, gives us a pattern of living high as possible, going from one relationship to the next--and just take a look at some of the most current television programs like "wife-swap." If my worldview says this is acceptable. I receive it and watch it out of interest and freedom. If my worldview says this is immoral and anti-Christian, I choose to ban the program and not allow any of my children to watch it. The latter is my choice, since my worldview is based on scripture, holy living, and loving others like Christ. My worldview hinges on the scripture: "All scripture is inspired by God." I believe that the word of God is to be interpreted literally, not figuratively, and cling to the comforting scripture: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." If I come to a grey area in my life, and I'm unsure what course of action to take, I look to the scriptures for guidance. Most people in the world, I'd say, are used to leaning on intellect for their course of direction and destiny. I'd much rather Jean on the Holy Spirit and the word of God, than my own brains. I'd like to offer one final example of a difference between my worldview and that of a family member in another state. My cousin believes it is acceptable to live with a man before marriage, take a try at what is to come, and holds 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 with no objections. My worldview wouldn't force the above family members to stop drinking, but I what take a stand, in love, of what is morally right according to the scriptures. My worldview keeps me safe, it guides my steps, and it is a source of constant comfort and joy, because it is based on the Word of God. When I think about 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 states that: "Everlasting joy shall be upon my head." That's why I base my worldview on the Bible, because it grants me hope and joy for today, and for my dates of destiny in Christ Jesus tomorrow.
About the Author
Don Alexander, Published Writer & Online Business Mentor http://www.leading-online-business.com "Helping ALL to Succeed"
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