Core Message: What Is Worldview and Why Does It Matter?

Core Message: What Is Worldview and Why Does It Matter?

Everyone has a worldview, whether they realize it or not! As Christians, becoming aware of the filters through which we see the world is essential to our spiritual maturity, lifestyle, and influence.

Worldview can be defined as the set of personal beliefs and assumptions (presuppositions) we hold about society, culture, and the world around us which determine our view of reality. Many of these beliefs are held unconsciously, meaning we don’t even realize we have them.

What we perceive as reality—our worldview—determines our perspective and choices. Ideas have consequences. They form our beliefs, shape our convictions, and solidify into habits and lifestyles. Understanding worldview is not just an added component to our walk with God; it is an essential part of our spiritual formation and maturity, and central to our relationship with the Lord.

Once we have decided to follow Jesus, He begins to change our hearts and give us discernment for our decisions; however, our former thinking is not automatically brought into alignment with the Word and character of God. We are responsible for evaluating our worldview and aligning it with God’s principles. This means that you can be saved and not have a Christian worldview. We see this demonstrated throughout the New Testament as Paul admonishes the early church to align their thoughts and lifestyle with Christ. We are to guard our hearts and examine our beliefs and thoughts to ensure that our choices and behavior are formed and led by God, and God alone.

Many Christians today subscribe to a “syncretic worldview”—a blending of doctrines and beliefs from various religions and philosophies. They love Jesus but hold onto beliefs from other sources. A mixed worldview results in mixed messages, and often a lifestyle that is not fully reflective of Christ. Our aim as believers is to have a fully integrated worldview grounded in the Bible and the principles that guided the life of Christ.

There are no shortcuts to refining our thinking, effectively handling arguments, and attaining a clear worldview. It requires an ongoing commitment to developing a set of tools and resources for navigating decisions, choices, conflicts, relationships, and life itself. Although it takes time, patience, and understanding to develop this way of thinking, the rewards are significant, as the process  not only brings about maturity but it also grants us a greater level of influence. Developing a biblical worldview is part of our lifetime work of sanctification; it is a worthy journey for committed disciples of Christ.