This is the second part based on a small-group series I’m working on called Values that Last. Last week’s blog was on Choosing My Standard, and this week I’ll be sharing on why our beliefs matter.
How we view our world is so important because our lives are based around perception. If we believe what the Bible says to be truth, then likely (hopefully) we’ll conform to the teachings of the Word. Likewise, if we perceive life to be about feeling good, we will likely shape our ways around things that make us feel good. Views on life are critical and we all can’t be right.
Here are some world views and descriptions of them:
- Materialism: The idea that things are what matters the most. What we have determines who we are. Perhaps people confusing value with “valuable”. This makes way for idolatry.
“And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” (Luke 12:15)
- Narcissism: A person’s love and admiration for themselves. Self seeking, self centered thinking. People who love themselves more than God.
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
- Hedonism: If it feels good then do it. Putting priority on what feels good. Unfortunately, those who follow this way of thinking will be lured by the enemy into following what feels good as apposed to following what’s right.
“He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)
- Pragmatism: “Whatever works for you” kind of attitude. Practical thinking; that experience takes priority over reasoning. The problem with this thinking is, just because it’s working now, does not mean it will be working in the end.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
- Naturalism: Rejecting the existence or importance of God. Atheists seem to hold this view. I’ve heard many times; that it takes more faith to believe there is no God. It’s so hard for me to believe that everything is by random chance. Seems the purpose of life is not relevant if God is removed from the equation.
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:20-21)
- Humanism: You are your own God. All value is placed around people and not God. Although it’s great to put importance on our fellow people, we are not above God; we don’t have all the answers or wisdom and we certainly can’t save ourselves eternally.
“…who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 1:25)
- Theism: Belief in a god or gods; a creator even with purpose. Of course this is where my belief comes in as I believe in the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the God who by His Holy Spirit caused Mary, who was a virgin to conceive Jesus, who is God manifested in the flesh.
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
There are many reasons why your beliefs matter. As a Christian, we are called to be a light to others. By study of the Bible, we can better know how to have an answer to the hope that lies in us, which is Jesus Christ (refer to 1 Peter 3:15). The following are things you can do to help strengthen your world view because your beliefs matter and it’s important we have an understanding of truth.
Ways we can strengthen our world views:
- Learn the truth: “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)
- Discern what is false: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”(1 John 4:1)
- Turn from the world to the Word: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans12:2)
- Concern yourself with God’s agenda: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Please visit an ongoing forum discussion we have going on at Families.com in the Christian-Evangelical section called: Values that Last: Weekly Group Discussion. We invite you to share your thoughts on discussion questions pertaining to this series.
Scripture references quoted from the NKJV.