By Ronnie Wendt
Sometimes as we move to a Christian belief system, we drag along with us a battered suitcase full of false notions about what this means for our lives. We mistakenly believe if we dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s of Christian behavior and do everything just right, our beliefs will spare us the troubles of this world. But Jesus promises us, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).
The truth is the road of life is one paved with loss and heartache, trial and tribulation. We must be prepared for it, and not let our suffering separate us from the One who loves us unconditionally and will walk with us through the middle of our pain.
But this is easier said than done. As we wrestle with trouble, questions often arise and stand as obstacles to our relationship with Christ. Why does God let bad things happen? Why should I forgive those who hurt me? Do I really need to go to church? Does God really have a purpose for my life? It is in these moments, we need to recall the words of Jesus, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
All of our questions can be answered within the framework of our faith by developing a biblical worldview. Del Tackett in What’s a Christian Worldview? describes someone having a biblical worldview as “someone who believes his primary reason for existence is to love and serve God.” And, Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham, writes, “An individual with a Biblical worldview looks at the world and sifts all information through the lens of God’s Word. Scripture informs his thinking and behavior, guiding his intellect and moral determinations. The Bible is the bedrock that undergirds his entire life.”
When we apply God’s truths to our lives and live to serve Him, we develop the kind of faith that stands strong in adversity, finds joy in our troubles, and gives the best of us to God. A biblical worldview changes our focus from today’s troubles and keeps our eye on what’s really important. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17).
We at Just Between Us understand there is more to being a Christian than just saying we are one. We also know faith questions crop up in everyone’s Christian walk. We desire to help you with the answers you seek by putting together articles on everything from why we worship to forgiveness, why there is evil in the world, and God’s purpose for our lives. Spend some time checking them out. Maybe start applying the ideas found in one or two, and watch your biblical worldview grow!