Worldview Devotional

Years ago, my son got a book called 1001 Pirate Things to Spot. It tests your observation skills, similar to a Where's Waldo book in which you look for Waldo on every page. In my son's book, however, you look for pirates, parrots, cannons, swords, skull and cross bone flags, anchors, boats and treasure.

It is so much fun sitting with Levi and looking for the pirates. "There's one," he would say. The longer you look at the picture, the easier it is to see them. In time, you know where to look and where not to look. Your eyes are focused to look for pirates. The same is true of truth, especially biblical truth in the world. The longer you look at the real Father, Son and Holy Spirit of Scripture, not a counterfeit look-a-like, the easier it is to see Him in the world. When your view of God is clear, you find your eyesight to be clearer for finding Him in the attitudes and actions of people. Making this distinction between the real and fake God is called discernment.

As you crossover into college, developing discernment is very important. Your view of the world needs to be thoroughly biblical because this world can be full of hurt, destruction, greed, jealousy and pride. You really need to know what you believe in our changing culture by nailing down your worldview with Christ at the center. Your worldview will form your identity, choices and connections with people. This helps you mature into who God wants you to become. Classrooms and cubicles will be full of counterfeits.

Everyone has a view of the world. You have one. A worldview is "the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world" or "a collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group." Every young adult in college is forming a worldview heavily influenced by culture whether they are consciously doing so.

Start by offering your body as a living sacrifice to God. Surrender to Him and His authority and direction in your life, even as you head off to college. This is an act of worship to God (Rom. 12:1-2). Let your view of the world be informed by the Bible and guided by God. This is the abundant life Jesus was talking about (John 10:10).