Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Divorce

First of all, a “Worldview” is a comprehensive perspective through which each of us interprets and understands the world around us. It encompasses beliefs, values, ethics, and assumptions about reality, existence, knowledge, and truth. A worldview shapes how we perceive our environment, make decisions, and interact with others. A worldview addresses fundamental questions like: • What is the nature of reality? • What is the purpose of life? • What is right and wrong? • What happens after death? The Bible is replete with passages that clearly point us to the two worldviews; the “world’s” point of view and “God’s” point of view. These two worldviews are often seen as at odds with each other and frequently we don’t recognize it. As a brief overview, here’s the differences: The Christian worldview is grounded in the Scripture and the belief in God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It centers on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief in His death, resurrection, and the promise of eternal life. Believers understand our purpose in life is to glorify God, to live according to His will, and to spread the message of the Gospel. Moral values are derived from the Scripture, which is the inspired word of God. Concepts of right and wrong are based on Biblical commandments and teachings. All of mankind is seen as created in the image of God, with inherent value and dignity. However, all of mankind has “fallen” and in need of redemption through Jesus Christ. We believe in life after death, where individuals will either spend eternity with God in Heaven or separated from Him in Hell, based on their choices and their relationship with Jesus Christ. The "world's" worldview is a term often used in the Bible and by Christians to describe a secular perspective that does not necessarily align with Scriptural teachings. It is often more pluralistic, with various beliefs and philosophies influencing it, such as humanism, materialism, relativism, and naturalism. This worldview may see the purpose of life as self-fulfillment, the pursuit of happiness, or achieving personal success. The meaning of life can be subjective and varies from person to person. Moral values can be seen as relative, often based on cultural norms, personal preferences, or societal consensus. There may not be an absolute standard of right and wrong. Humans might be viewed as products of evolution, with their worth and purpose defined by societal or personal achievements. The concept of sin or a sense of right and wrong, is often absent or redefined in non-religious terms. Views on life after death vary widely. Some may believe in an afterlife, reincarnation, or nothingness, while others focus solely on the material and present life, with no emphasis on eternity. The primary difference between a “Godly” worldview and the "world's" worldview lies in the source of authority and ultimate truth. The Follower of Jesus Christ’s worldview is based on the Scripture and a belief in God's sovereign plan, while the "world's" worldview is more diverse, often centered on human reasoning, cultural norms, and subjective experiences. God continuously encourages and warns us to embrace His view of life. An underlying approach is for believers to live in the world but not be of the world. Live fully with those around us and simultaneously be a light of faith, faithfulness and God’s worldview. The following Scriptures depict various aspects of contrasting worldviews, highlighting the difference between perspectives aligned with God's truth and those influenced by worldly values and ideologies. They distinguish between those who have the Spirit of God and belong to Christ and those who do not. Matthew 6:24 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. John 15:19 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Romans 8:9 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. Romans 12:2 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 1 Corinthians 1:18 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." This verse distinguishes between those who have the Spirit of God and can understand spiritual things and those who do not. Colossians 2:8 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. James 3:13-17 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.