Reflective Integration
One of the distinctive aspects of creation is that it offers a unique reality that is difficult to understand. People often strive to gain an understanding of the world by having a worldview. A worldview is how one looks at the world and thinks it operates. It influences how one explains life events and their life’s purpose. Sire (2015) states that a worldview is a set of presuppositions which people hold about the makeup of the world. Worldviews are used to confront the present reality. “Worldviews are never passive; they are by their very nature a confrontation of our presence in the world” (Phillips et al., 2008, p. 9). Finding my purpose took longer than expected, and I am sure that it is a struggle for many. It is exceedingly difficult for one to anticipate the events which might change their lives’ course and purpose. My worldview has been shaped by the Bible that has helped me understand the reason for my existence, why good and evil exist, how I can be transformed to be Christ-like, and helped me understand life after death.
Human beings often struggle to understand the reason for their existence. The Bible shows that we were all created by the will of God. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Revelation 4:11). This verse resonates with me in many ways. Life can get hard in our present times. I often find myself struggling with why I am here. The verse is a simple reminder that I am worthy, and I am here because the creator placed me here. He has a job for me to do, and I must fulfill it.
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I would argue that the cause of existence and why we exist are interchangeable. We live, and the reason for our existence is Christ. Phillips et al. (2008) discuss the purpose of our living in the following passage:
“The answers we embrace to these ultimate questions, whether consciously or subconsciously, shape our assumptions about the three major concepts of human existence: (1) God, or the concept of ultimate reality; (2) humanity, or the reality of human existence and self- consciousness (my own as well as that of other persons); and (3) nature, or the existence and purpose of the world around me, both physical and spiritual.” (p. 9).
The understanding of good and evil makes me understand my weaknesses. “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” ( Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Psalm 34:14). The verse shows that I have an evil nature. There is both good and evil in me because I am human. I struggle with the flesh every day. I experience jealousy, greed, and become judgmental at times. The presence of evil within me has made me see the need for redemption through a savior.
Men can be transformed to show good and kind acts by experiencing redemption through Christ. “Humanity is capable of the greatest acts of kindness and selflessness, the greatest discoveries of the universe, the greatest thoughts of creativity, and the greatest acts of courage; yet he is also capable of the grossest acts of decadence and violence against himself and others” (Phillips et al., 2008, p.44). As I grow closer to Christ, the evilness inside me disappears more and more but can reappear from time to time. When it reappears, I remember this verse, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.” ( Holy Bible, New International Version , 1973/2011, Romans 12:1-2). I now know that I must become more in tune with God's Spirit by praying and reading his word. I must transform my mind by studying God's word, meditating on it, and asking God to use it to change my thoughts.
As I grow closer to Christ, the meaning of life becomes more attuned to God’s truths. “There are no rules except those which he chooses to follow, there are no truths except those which he chooses to believe. He is justified in pursuing anything that will give meaning to his life.” (Phillips et al., 2008, p. 31). Just as the text stated, I believe that I must live a Christ-led life and pursue anything that has meaning to my life. The text says there are no truths except those which I choose to believe. I choose to believe that God has ordered my steps, and I must follow them. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ( Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Galatians). God orders my steps, and I live by faith and believe in the Son of God.
Death is inevitable. I hope that I have lived a great enough life to please Christ and make it through the pearly gates of Heaven. “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” ( Holy Bible, New International Version , 1973/2011, Romans 14:8). This verse has always touched me because it has taught me that we cannot save ourselves physically. Instead, salvation can only be found spiritually. “In a world of emptiness, each person must fill life with experiences, love and joy, making the most of the time he has.” (Phillips, 2008, p.31). We never know when that day is coming, but we do know it is coming. In the meantime, we must strive to live our best Christ-like lives.
In conclusion, my worldview expands every day. Things change, and my worldview changes as I learn and perceive things differently. I continuously meet new people, hear new things, and learn new perspectives. Everyone is also unique. Each one of us is different psychologically, biologically, and spiritually. However, everyone bears a distinctive mark from the creator. Therefore, while things are changing, and my worldview continually expands, I know that the only constant variable is living life as intended by the creator.
References
New International Version . (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978).
Phillips, W. G., Brown, W. E., & Stonestreet, J. (2008). Making sense of your world: A biblical worldview (2nd ed.). Sheffield Publishing Co.
Sire, J. W. (2015). Naming the elephant: Worldview as a concept. (2nd ed .). Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.
