How often we can become puzzled by the attitude and views of non-Christians. Something what seems so plain and simple to us is seen by the non-Believer as totally different. More often than not the Believer and the non-Believer find entertainment in different ways, spend their money in different ways, hold different views of marriage, vote in different ways and have different plans for their future. Even the purpose of life for a non-Beleiver is radically different than one who has given their heart and life to Jesus Christ. Or so it should be.
Many Christians today are trying to live in two worlds and not doing a very good job at either one. On one hand they declare their love for the Lord while on the other hand they are living like the world -- not in a radically sinful way (although some do), but in an attitude of "this world mindedness". They are trying to live the life of a Christian while thinking like the world and it just doesn't work.
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." He is saying "have the mind of Christ." In this case he is dealing with the attitude of humility and service -- even unto death. In Romans 12:2 Paul says straight forward, "don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." He knew that the battle of the spirit is often won or lost in our minds. Even James, while using a double metaphor of heart and mind speaks of the need to get our minds right while we are living in this present world. In 4:8 he declares that we are to "purify your hearts, you double-minded."
We can never be completely powerful in our Christian lives if we are "double-minded"; trying to live our Christian lives through the viewpoint of the world. Our focus needs to be on the things of Christ and how the events and choices of our life effect our relationship with Him and our testimony of Him to the surrounding community.
We need to have such a view of things in this world that we are able to see from a Biblical perspective the implications of not only our actions, but the actions of those around us. When we have a Biblical world view we look at the events of the world in a different light. We even look at our enemies in a different light. We see our future, plans and purpose in light of eternity -- not simply as temporary.
If you have not taken the opportunity to be involved in Focus on the Family's "The Truth Project" I would highly encourage you to attend one of the seminars at your earliest convenience -- it will probably change your point of view.
So, what's your "perspective"? Join the discussion.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Greetings from Jessi Martin (well now Moyer--haha, still getting used to that) in North Carolina!!! Even though I moved to what seems like is the other side of the world, I still listen to your sermons online and it's like I never left (eventhough, I don't have my baby brother here handing out church bulletins).
Anyway, not to get off topic...it's interesting that I read this post today. Earlier, I was running some errands and listening to a Christian radio station where the host was discussing Christopher Hitchens' (sp?) neo-atheist proposed the question, "Is Christianity Good for the World." (Which I think, and I may be wrong, Hitchens wrote a book called "Why Christianity is Not Good for the World" or something to that effect.) I know from the little of what I've seen and read he is adamate against anything "religious" (which strangely he equates with a Judeo-Christian worldview) I'm sorry, but Philosophy 101 taught me that the definition of religion was a set of beliefs through which we interpret our experiences.
But I digress :)
The host asked the question, "Is Christianity Good for the World?" sat there for a brief moment and thought, "Well of course." But then I had a quasi-epiphany one could say--I thought "in a perfect world" and therein lies the key!!
Christ did not come to just improve the world, he came to save the world. Is not the essence of Christ's message one of repentance and forgiveness? Did the Lord stress the importance through not only the message of the Gospel itself but through the writings of the apostles, that one can not love the Lord and the world?? The world being corrupted by sin is completely incompatible with the High-most, Holy, Awesome God!
I would think a more appropriate question would be, "Is the World Good Enough for God?" (I think God provides the answer in the Old Testament!!) Is not Christ the extension of mercy to the sinful and fallen world? So we can be renewed in His righteousness?
Matt and Christi say they love the Truth Project by the way and I've been wanting to see it as well :)
September 15, 2008 8:42 PM
Good to hear from you Jessi. Sorry about the loss in your family, but we are looking forward to seeing you this week. I've heard some exciting news about things with you and Matt.
Bless you my sister.
PD
Post a Comment