No, that’s not a spinoff of a popular credit card commercial. It’s an honest question, as well as a tremendously important one. It’s important because we live in the world, have individual perceptions of the world, and interact with the world around us on a daily basis.

So, what IS a worldview? Simply put, a worldview is:

A comprehensive framework of beliefs, values, and assumptions through which an individual or group interprets and interacts with the world. It shapes how people understand reality, make decisions, and approach life’s fundamental questions, such as the nature of existence, morality, knowledge, and human purpose. Worldviews can be shaped by culture, religion, philosophy, personal experiences, and education.

As Christians, shouldn’t we have a “Christian” worldview, shaped by our faith? (That’s a hypothetical question.) The bigger question might be “HOW do you develop a Christian worldview?”

If you haven’t already figured it out, a Christian worldview is directly connected to God’s Word! What does that mean? For an answer we can crank up the Bible’s way back machine to the Old Testament book of Joshua and the very first chapter!

“¹After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, ²“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. . . . ⁷Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.  Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. ⁸This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:1-2; 7-9, ESV)

Joshua, a soldier, was commissioned by God to lead the Israelites into, and conquer the Promised Land (Canaan) after the death of Moses (vv.1-2). God then told Joshua that two things were of utmost importance: attitude (vv.7,9) and obedience (vv.7-8)!

What does that have to do with worldview? Thanks for asking!

Remember our definition of “worldview”? We were given a list of things that can shape our worldview. One of those was “religion”. In Joshua’s case it was the Law that had been given Moses for God’s people in the Pentateuch. In our case, it’s our Christian faith, based on the entire Bible and specifically, the New Testament.

God gave Joshua principles for living by the Law of Moses that also apply to us today.

^“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (v.8) (Emphasis mine)

I love the way one modern translation phrases that passage:

“This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to carry out everything that’s written in it, for then you’ll prosper and succeed.”

(International Standard Version) (Emphasis mine)

Did you notice the emphasis on meditating on God’s written word day and night? Of course, you did! This old soldier is convinced that it’s the key to developing a Christian worldview. Hear me out.

To meditate on God’s word means to read it, memorize it, and ponder it (think about it deeply and thoroughly). Our meditating in God’s word results in loving it more and more. Our loving God’s word more and more informs/shapes how we understand reality, make decisions, and approach all of life’s fundamental questions.

How long does it take to develop a truly Christian worldview? It’s a lifelong process!

The evidence that you are living with a Christian worldview is a passage or section of scripture coming to mind as you encounter ‘life’, or the question, “What does the Bible say about that?” when you aren’t sure what it says/teaches.

May God bless you richly as you continue to meditate on and live in his Word!