Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 112 - Developing Biblical World View
Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast
Episode 112 – Developing Biblical World View
Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together and live with purposed eternal perspective.
My youngest doesn’t talk about her time in China very often. When she does, I listen carefully, storing away pieces of information and memories in my mind and heart to help her process her past as she is ready to manage it. As much as I wish I could have been with her from the beginning, I wasn’t able to. Instead of focusing on what we cannot change, we trust that there was a reason for the time she was without family and we focus on God’s redemptive power, grace, and love to be thankful for the time we have together now, and to look forward to the future. As her mother though, it is my divine privilege to love and protect her and help her continue to move forward.
One of the things I have noticed is that as time presses forward, she loses memories of her life in China. Through what she has already shared, I have pieced together patterns that I believe have helped her to process things that happened to her, cope with it in the best way for her, and move forward. What surprises me, however, is that it is not events that happened there that bother her the most. Instead, it is what did not happen. As she continues to learn more about Jesus, reading her bible, studying bible notes, and sharing in biblical discussions, she has revealed that she is hurt by the fact that no one told her about Jesus and she had no knowledge or information to know how to live in ways that gave her joy and hope.
Developing a biblical worldview shapes our identity and belief system, and it becomes an unwavering internal compass that leads our actions and reactions.
Sadly, many have not allowed themselves to believe the life-changing effects that a walk with God through relationship with Jesus provides. We see it in society daily. Even some people who profess to be Christian do not rely on the unshakable word of God to lead them in truth that shapes convictions and actions. Ideals for life, what we expect, and how we act and react, must stem from something. God should be our source of trust, integrity, cultural beliefs, and reactions to trials and triumphs. Anything we face in daily life, such as politics, raising children, sanctity of life, marriage, or relationships should seek and adhere to what His holy word teaches and instructs. Unfortunately, our society often values celebrities, politicians, teachers, friends, or political parties before God. What we must realize is that if we are not following Christ, we are following secularism. Any cultural ideal we imagine or use as a solution or guideline in our life is simply secularism when God is absent from the equation. When humanity promotes or idealizes secular beliefs, we are dangerously following self and will pay consequences.
God’s word is absolute truth.
We don’t need dangerous relative truth, which eventually fails, bringing emptiness, misery, and disaster.
When we go astray, I believe it happens because we have not searched and utilized God’s word as our source of light, hope, strength, and guidance. Instead, we often fall back on what is comfortable or easy, or we revert to selfish desires. What we have experienced, what we feel, what we know, or what others say or do often takes control of our flesh and God’s word is forgotten or dismissed.
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”
When we don’t heed God’s warnings, promises, or instructions, we lose the divine, righteous guidance of our Heavenly Father; we abandon ourselves to our fleshly and sinful desires, as well as the manipulation of others who only look out for self.
How can we engage in our culture with the biblical discernment needed as a follower of Christ?
God’s thoughts and mindset must govern and direct ours.
A biblical worldview comes from knowing and living God’s word; reading, studying, and applying God’s word to every situation.
If we ingest God’s word, we will be sustained by His holy truths and principles.
1. Wisdom, insight, and clarity come through walking with God, studying under Him, and allowing Him to mentor me. We develop relationship with God through His word, prayerful reflection, and conversation with Him.
2. Transformation comes when we allow the work of the Holy Spirit to fill and reconstruct our thought processes and responses.
3. Obedience occurs when we step out in faith and trust on what we have learned and what we hear the Holy Spirit within us instructing us to do.
If you believe God’s word, carry it as a sacred, guiding counselor within you.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”
In order to obtain and maintain a biblical worldview, we must implement the following 5 steps as a lifestyle priority:
1. Regularly read and study God’s word. This means using an excellent study bible and searching for answers. Journaling, or keeping notes helps some; writing or memorizing scripture helps others. Find what works best for you. Make sure you are reading God’s word regularly (that is key) and that you are breaking it down so that you really understand it, and learn to apply it in all areas of your life. Don’t just get your reading completed for the day and move on without meditating on what you have learned.
2. Trust in God’s sovereignty and His word. Each person has to make a choice as to whether we really believe what we say we do about Jesus. If we don’t, that is our choice. God allows us free will. But if we do believe, then we must make our life reflect that belief. Our eternity and the lives of those around us daily depend on it.
3. Depend on God’s word for self-worth and values instead of self or society. There are many agendas in this world that are in direct opposition to God. Among them are the way media portrays values and self-worth. God’s word should be our guiding influence. The God of the Universe cannot lie. Believe what He says about you. Let it penetrate your spirit and senses as you deepen your walk with Jesus, affecting everything about you.
4. Focus on God’s truths; don’t allow worldly influences or Satan to distract or dissuade you from God’s promises or principles. Focusing on the truths and principals of God’s word should be the compass you live by. Make Him your True North and do not allow the deceit and distraction of this world to move you from living steadfastly in His grasp.
5. Look for God in every situation. God isn’t a Sunday morning visitor in our life. He is the core we wrap ourselves around. He is our guide and purpose. Find Him in the ordinary and the exceptional moments of life. He should be the underlying force behind everything we do and are.
John 12:25-26 says, “Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
Christians must purpose to know Jesus intimately and follow Him without distraction.
Our life in this world will prove what we think and desire, dictating our life after death and in the next world. Those who love this world with a mindset of doing as they wish, chasing what they see here and now will lose what God has purposed for them in this present time, and more importantly, for eternity. We may not see the spiritual realm that is to come, but God’s word makes it clear that this world is not our home. Developing relationship with God through Christ and coming to truly know Jesus through God’s word enables us to mature a love so deep and wide that it creates an eternal bond.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When believers follow what God calls right and good, the world will change. When we steadfastly shine His light in the choices we make, the way we raise our children, influence our grandchildren, and react in the stresses of daily living, He is made real to those who need Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good! We know you have good plans for us. Your plans are not to harm us, but are for the good of Your kingdom. Help us to live with constant gratitude and a heart that seeks You above all things. This world entices us with riches and momentary blessings that we crave, yet You clearly warn us not to fix our eyes or heart on them. You call us to live set apart as a faithful servant for You. Lord, shelter us in the day of Your anger. Help us to be found worthy of what You call for us. Give us a heart that cries for You and Your ways. Allow us to sit at Your feet and enjoy what You call good. We need You so much, Father. Help us to live a steadfast life that honors all You are. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. Would you please also place a rating and review at Apple Podcasts or Spotify to enable others to find each episode?
I’m very excited to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” has released! I hope you will look for it, follow it, and share both podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. If we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture.
I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.