A robust worldview (part 2)

What is a worldview? According to Dictionary.com, a worldview can be defined in two ways:

1. The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world.
2. A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group.

Those who say they are Christians, according to the second definition would believe that Jesus is the most important person to have lived. In John 14:6, Jesus states, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The Christian would therefore conclude that salvation is exclusively found in Jesus and only Jesus is worth living for.

I just returned from a Christian camp this past week and was challenged to think about the Church in America and those who call themselves Christian. I've been thinking a lot about the Church in the States and its commitment to Christ. It seems that many times we want to say we hold to a Christian worldview when in reality we become comfortable in playing church and not giving all that we have to Jesus. It is quiet simple to say that you are a Christian, anyone can do that. It is quiet simple to meet with the local church. Again, anyone can do that, even the atheist. What Jesus wants however is a person that puts him first in everything they do, say, and think. He wants nothing less than habitual surrender.

A recent Newsweek article stated that the Christian worldview is on the decline in America. The fault does not lie with the President, a particular political party, the media, hippies, or anything else. The blame lies squarely on the Christians in America. I'm afraid we are comfortable claiming the Christian worldview, but in reality our lives are no different than the various secular views of our culture.

It is easy to believe the Christian worldview, even The Devil believes in God (James 2:19). The problem is that many Christians don't allow their Christian worldview to shape their lives. In Matthew (Matt. 7:21-23) , Jesus said that there will come a day when individuals will claim that they had done many mighty things for him, but Jesus said: "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Why would Jesus deny those who had worked for him? The answer I believe is that they never put their trust in the person of Jesus in the first place. It is so easy to claim to be a follower of Jesus (proclaiming a Christian worldview). However, where the rubber meets the road in verifying the Christian claim depends on how a person lives their life (Romans 12:2). Are you a secret agent Christian or do you really believe in the person of Jesus? A person who holds to a consistent Christian worldview will live in opposition to the world and exclusively for Jesus.