Distractions, opinions, and thoughts race through our minds every day. The burning desire for answers and attention plagues us. Discerning truth from lies is a challenging and often frustrating fight. From the eye of the storm, we must determine a worldview and communicate concepts and ideas. A worldview is an articulation of concepts, thoughts, and ideas that shape the daily habits, patterns, and rhythms of everyday life.
Everyone has a worldview. What is yours?
As Impact 360 Fellows, we dive into conversations of filtering foundational fruits of Christ from the natural worldviews culture confidently carries. The classroom lectures prompt dinner-time table-talk, lingering conversations, and curious questions. Distinct Christian worldviews are, as one of our professors Dr. Matt Dee states, “Wanting more than correct theology. It is wanting to know God.” Intentionally focused Christian worldviews emphasize the idea of allowing God to be on the throne of our lives and applying the practices of submission. As believers we are called to “Live a life of Kingdom influence,” which is also the third pillar of Impact 360’s foundational “Know. Be. Live.” philosophy.
Applying these practices of living an empowered life from a Christian worldview, we begin to witness transformation in our everyday actions. The playlists we shuffle, the shows we binge, the habits we indulge in all change. Personally, I have observed growth in the way I view truth, people, and culture. I am being refined and shaped daily through these new behaviors.
As a Fellow, I see the beauty in studying worldview at the very beginning of the program as understanding these methods, principles, and tools will lay a foundational footing to base future education and reflections upon. By distinguishing the different theories of truth, inconsistent statements, general and specific revelation, and elements of reasoning, we have received grounding that emphasizes the importance of pursuing a Christian worldview for one’s life.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV).
Layered in the truth of this passage, the simple Gospel message of communicating through a Christian worldview will train the lens of a believer to view creation as the Creator designed.
Engaging in conversation with those who hold different worldviews, I find myself balancing between both excitement and nervousness. Fighting for my attention, anticipation battles fear: I’m eager to apply the evangelistic tools I have acquired yet panicked at the thought of a conversation collapsing. However, I am learning that nerves are genuine emotions, which are gifts from the Lord. Embracing these nerves will ground me richly. Through such challenges, I am faced with an opportunity to pursue the vision God has in store for my conversations.
I am incredibly excited to grow in confidence for sharing the Gospel message while living my Christian worldview. As Hebrews 12:2 states, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,” I must boldly face the mission, equipped with the provided tools and guiding steps. Despite cultural conjectures, Christ is sufficient. The worldview that places Jesus on the throne only views victory.
Anna Claire Waddell – Class 20 Fellow