June 1

Written by Bill Grandi on June 1st, 2023

“Worldview matters.” So says John Stonestreet in his introduction to Faithfully Different by Natasha Crain. He goes on to say, “A worldview makes a big difference in how we think, how we make decisions, and how we relate with others.” (p.9)

My thoughts were turned to his quotes for two reasons: 1) I’m reading her book; and 2) I read 2 passages of Scripture today that spurred my  thinking.

The first is the whole chapter of Psalm 1. (Please take a moment to read its 6 verses). It is a chapter of opposites, of comparisons. It compares the godly person to the wicked (ungodly). {Note: the psalmist uses the word “wicked” but that has such a sharp connotation in today’s language so I use the word ungodly instead. Same species. Different fish} Verses 1-3 describe the one who walks with God, while verses 4-6 describe the one who doesn’t.

The second Scripture is Proverbs 1:7- “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (ESV). The goal of the righteous person is to seek the knowledge of God (His Word, His way, etc.), but it begins with a healthy fear (awe) of God. Wisdom is despised by the fool.

I think the word that comes into play here is the word “discernment.” Going back to the quote at the beginning about worldview, we are constantly being bombarded with and by a secular worldview-a worldview described in Psalm 1:4-6.

One can either have a biblical worldview or a secular worldview. Like it sounds, a biblical worldview is based on God’s Word to man. A secular worldview is based on man’s word to man. They are diametrically opposed to each other.

The world needs to conform to God’s Word (biblical worldview) rather than trying to conform God’s Word to the culture (secular worldview). For that to happen the follower of Christ must become discerning. That comes from putting Psalm 1:1-3 into play.

Choose your worldview but choose wisely. It matters.

 

12 Comments so far ↓

  1. Pam says:

    The world’s secular voice is shouted everywhere these days. We need to listen to God’s still, small voice and share what He says with others. How else will they hear? (Romans 10:14-17)

    • Bill Grandi says:

      You are so right Pam and sadly it is getting harder to discern. The enemy is most definitely pressing in. But you are right about how else will they hear?

  2. Kari Scare says:

    I’ve been thinking about my worldview as I’ve been studying the small (6 chapters or less) books of the New Testament. The Bible is so essential in shaping a Christian’s worldview. If we don’t actively seek and study its wisdom, we will find ourselves shaped by our culture. If we don’t put out the effort to combat the worldview of our culture, we will be subsumed by it.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I’m glad to hear you are taking a proactive stance on this Kari. The only way we will be able to combat the pull of the secular is by knowing God’s Word and being shaped by it.

  3. Ryan S. says:

    I think you bring up a great point regarding worldview… or the lens through which the world is viewed. After giving my life to Christ at 20 years old, my perspective changed. It was gradual but steady. As I continue to mature, the lens gets clearer. What has taking more time is that I need to have patience with the world that is still wearing the tainted lenses. I can’t expect the world to conform at all. I can’t expect non-Christians to live as if they are Christian. I have Christ in my life and continue to do things that are not in alignment with Christ. I don’t have to condone the behavior. I don’t have to where emblems, logos, or shirts to celebrate sinful behavior. However, I should be sharing the love of Christ without prejudice. Jesus came to die for ALL sinners, not just some. I should see everyone through the lens in which Jesus views us… Lives in desperate need of a loving and forgiving savior…

    • Bill Grandi says:

      You make a very valid point Ryan. What we often get ourselves into trouble with is that we tend to “qualify” sin, i.e. one is worse than another. When we get free from that we can then minister to those who live lives totally foreign to ours. I pray for my eyes to be open to the hurting needs of all people no matter who they are or what they believe.

  4. gail says:

    Good point Bill. Understanding God’s view and how to respond to the culture, how to live in the culture, requires not only reading God’s word but to meditate on it, study it, and ask God to teach you. Just going to church once a week cannot do that for you. I know myself, I had so many questions when I first got saved, growing up catholic, reading the bible was not encouraged. It took me over a decade to understand I had the instruction manual, I could hold the words of my Savior in my hands, and be changed. I didn’t have to figure out how to handle the culture, or shift through opinions, or guess what God sees as righteous or wicked, the Bible’s word is the final answer. I have learned and enjoy that I want to give God my time, I want to draw closer to God. That cannot be done in a casual relationship with God. What relationship is more important than the one you have with God?

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks for the kind words Gail. I concur with you on knowing, studying and living the Word. If we studied it like we should we wouldn’t be hooked in by a bunch of junk. Thankful for your learning spirit.

  5. When our viewpoint is based on God’s Word and His precepts, it’s almost impossible to go wrong, Bill. We can’t let worldly temptations and interpretations color our perceptions of human nature.
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Very true Martha. Tragically, too many followers of Jesus got roped in by woke junk and just plain Satanic stuff and socialistic stuff because they did not know what the Word said.

  6. Cheryl says:

    There is so much truth here! God’s Word will forever remain settled in heaven, and those who are trying to make it conform to their own agenda will never be successful. Recently, when we were completely let down by yet another “Christian” who caved to the woke cult, I was once again reminded of the song, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, ALL other ground is sinking sand.” He alone is worthy of our trust. Thank you for preaching the truth, Pastor Bill!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks Cheryl. I strive for that. I’m sorry you were “let down.” I am glad your faith is strong enough to weather this storm. A recent sign in our community says, “Jesus was woke.” That is blasphemy. I prefer the God of the Bible.