My Christian Worldview

The only thing I remember from the Introduction to Psychology course that I took in college is this, “we tend to see what we expect to see.” This aspect of social psychology helps us understand our world and the people and things in it. The older I get the more I realize that this is true in every aspect of life. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about art, business, people, relationships or puppy dogs, we will most likely see what we expect to see.

Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal wrote a book entitled “Reframing Organizations” in which they assert that most organizations fall into one of four frames or lenses through which the organization sees itself and the markets in which it operates. They assert that these frames determine what we see, how we interpret a situation and how we respond. I think this is absolutely true in our personal lives as well. We use various frames or lenses to interpret situations and individuals, and to determine how we respond accordingly. We are conditioned by our families, experiences and environments and we make assumptions based on that conditioning. Racism, stereotypes and other prejudices are all based on this idea that we will most likely see in people whatever our preconceived ideas or frames tell us we will see.

So how does this theory play into my life as a Christian? The buzzword related to this topic is “Christian worldview.” That is the frame or lens that we use a Christian to view the world, the people and events around us, and is influenced by our belief in God and His creation. So here is a shot at my Christian worldview.

I believe that God is our creator. I believe that He created the universe and everything in it. I believe He created human beings out of love and seeks to have a relationship with us. The Bible is God’s holy word and provides a wonderful history of His effort to have a relationship with His creation. I think the Bible illustrates God’s persistent efforts to teach us how we should live our lives, relate to Him and to each other. Simply telling us was not effective, as sinful human beings we blew it. I believe that He became flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus Christ in order to demonstrate who God is and how we should live. I believe Jesus was fully human, yet fully divine. We have the clearest picture into the nature of God by looking at the life of Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus’ teachings were so radical to the religious establishment that they had Him crucified on a Roman cross. Death could not contain Him and I believe in the literal and physical resurrection.

I believe in the value of every human being as a unique and wonderful creation of God. Every life has worth and God has a purpose for each one of us. I believe that our souls crave to be reconnected with the spirit of God. Some people try to satisfy that craving with materialism, drugs, alcohol and other things that leave the soul wanting. I believe that “sin” is anything that keeps us from God. True happiness is found when we live a life that is in obedience to God’s will for our lives. Serving God is not limited to those in vocational ministry. I believe God calls us to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, carpenters, business owners, farmers and a whole lot of other things. God can use us in whatever vocation we find ourselves in. I believe His church is a tapestry of individuals with unique skills and talents that He uses to achieve His will. No matter what we do, I believe He can use us and that we have a responsibility to care for each other and all of creation.

Maybe some people think that makes me a bleeding-heart tree hugger, but I also believe that God gives us abilities and talents and that we have a responsibility to use them. There are many ways that we can commit sin, and being lazy and disobedient are easy ways to do it. Apathy will get you every time.

I believe God commands me to respond when I see a need. I believe that when we as humans respond to each other with kindness and compassion, it is God’s spirit working through us. I guess that means I still believe in miracles. I believe that God is still engaged with humanity and that His ultimate will shall be realized.

This isn’t complete, but it is the core of what I believe. This has been on my mind for the last week since I heard Richard Stearns, president of World Vision speak at the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Forum. He really challenged me to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It falls right in line with the motto of the church I attend, FBC Rome, “Seeking His heart, being His hands.” I want to try and live that out every day in my life. Maybe this will challenge you to think about your world view and the lens through which you see the world.