Many things that might bring someone to accept Jesus as their savior. Some were born into a Christian family and raised with this foundational belief. Others may have encountered Jesus through others or during an emotional religious gathering. Still, others find Jesus only after travelling a long road of personal rebellion and hardship. When we choose to accept the truth of Jesus or lead others to accept this truth we feel a sense of accomplishment. A life has been forever changed, mission accomplished! While accepting the truth of Jesus is a pivotal moment, we have hardly reached our destination. The choice to accept Jesus is merely the first step of a life long journey. A journey that assures we will face trials and tribulations along the way.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Although many may claim to be Christians, their spiritual growth began and ended in that moment of acceptance. When we neglect the pursuit of spiritual growth it becomes spiritual complacency, which is followed by spiritual deterioration. Defining Christianity as acceptance of Jesus with a commitment to doctrine reduces it to a mere religion, which misses the point completely. A religion is a man-made system of worship. It comes with a list of do’s and dont’s, with expectations to be met. It leaves us checking boxes to meet objectives, just every other religion. This is not the life changing transformation that Jesus intended.
So what did Jesus intend? He intended our actions to be driven by a heart-felt response to a biblical worldview. A biblical world view changes the way we think, they way we view others, the way we love, and the way we listen. Actions are driven and compelled by a desire to fulfill God’s plan, not to check boxes or gain attention. A biblical worldview relies on these core beliefs:
- Jesus lived a sinless life
- God is the all-powerful and all-knowing creator of the universe and he still rules it today
- Salvation is a gift from God and can’t be earned
- Satan is real
- A Christian has the responsibility to share their faith in Christ with others
- The Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches
- Unchanging moral truth exists
- Moral truth is defined by the Bible (1)
If you can’t agree with each of these statements, then it is time to begin re-examining your faith. Surprisingly, the number of self proclaimed Christians who hold a biblical worldview are relatively few. A study in 2020, performed by Barna group, revealed significant inconsistencies between Christian views. While 51% of American adults claim to hold a “biblical worldview, only 6% of American adults actually answered questions consistent with this worldview. For example, of the 51%, 49% said that reincarnation was a possibility after they die. Meanwhile, only 33% said they believed that “human beings are born with a sinful nature and can only be saved from the consequences of sin by Jesus Christ.” Christian Post, May 26, 2021
We live in a broken world. When our faith is superficial and not actively engaged, our beliefs are easily corrupted. We have to remain actively connected to Jesus through scripture and Christian fellowship to develop a deep, enduring, and resilient faith.
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.
Romans 12:2
So how do we cultivate a biblical worldview? A biblical worldview is the evidence of life transformation that occurs through active relationship with Jesus. It requires us to be intentional in deepening our faith. The following are just some of the passions exhibited by Christians actively growing their faith:
- Worshipping God intimately and passionately
- Engaging in spiritual friendships with other believers
- Pursuing faith in the context of family
- Embracing intentional forms of spiritual growth
- Serving others
- Investing time and resources in spiritual pursuits
- Having faith based conversations with those outside Christianity (1)
When we are transformed by our faith we begin to act more like Jesus. We are able to view life, people, and even moments of crises through a different lens. Spiritual transformation changes our perception of the world and shows us what is truly important. Seeing the world through God’s eternal view also allows us to love others better. Love is the foundation of every commandment and shown through every action of Jesus. The ability to love is what should define every Christian.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
When we have deepened our ability to love like Jesus did, our hearts become sensitized to others and to the voice of God. We are able to hear God’s direction for our lives and see his purpose more clearly. We may hear God through scripture, prayer, or even through other people. This keen awareness of God speaking into our lives allow us to respond and act more like Jesus.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Christ’s followers need transformed hearts and minds to avoid slipping into the “sin-altered, me-first, consumer-minded perspectives that so often plague us as Christians in America” (1). Developing a biblical worldview and transformative faith is no easy feat. We are surrounded a world of people who exhibit the contrary. It requires daily intention, active engagement, and the building of spiritual relationships which can provide needed encouragement. If we hope to influence the culture around us, we must first begin by examining our own lives and then living out our faith in action.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Kinnaman, D., & Lyons, G. (2007). unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity. . .and Why It Matters. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA90093159
Seek and You Will Find 
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