How Do You See the World? Part 3

September 16, 2022

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2

A couple of days ago, we established that most of us acquire a worldview like we catch a cold: we pick it up from our environment. 

And just like a real cold, one of the primary ways this happens is through our eyes. 

Physically, we can catch a cold by something we do – such as rubbing our eyes with unwashed hands.

Spiritually, we can “catch” a worldview by something we don’t do – by not fixing our eyes on the Word of God.   

AW Tozer wisely explains, “If I look at the world, I will conform to the ways of the world. But if I look at the Word, I will conform to the will (or ways) of God.” 

While we might agree with Tozer’s words, in theory, very few of us live them out. Most of us look at the world far more than the Word.  And as a result, we absorb much of what the world is saying.

In today’s key verse, Paul issues a wake-up call. He doesn’t want us to carelessly pick up a worldview from the surrounding culture. The New Living Translation puts Paul’s words like this: “Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”  

How can God completely transform the way we think?

Here’s how:

By saturating our minds with Scripture, we begin to see two “worlds,” our little world and the world at large, from God’s perspective.  

So, to have a biblical worldview, we must spend time reading the Bible.

(Gee, thanks, “Captain Obvious.” ☺ )  

However, if it is that obvious, why aren’t more of us doing it? Studies show that nine out of ten households own a Bible, but for most, it’s sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust. Or residing, unopened, in a Bible app on our phones. 

It’s not that most of us don’t like the Bible. The problem is we just don’t like to read it

Sure, we’ll listen to a sermon once a week or read a devotional email, but that won’t cut it.  While both can be incredibly helpful in forming a biblical worldview, they are intended to supplement, not replace our time spent in God’s Word.  

You see, genuine transformation occurs when we’re one-on-one with God’s Word.  Do you know why?  Because we develop a personal relationship with the Author.  And through our intimacy with Him, the Lord begins to change our worldview, identity, behavior, thoughts…well…everything about us! 

Perhaps you’re thinking:

• I’m too busy.

• The Bible is hard to understand. 

• I don’t like to read. 

• Etc., etc. 

I get where you’re coming from.  I have some of the same objections. But in this digital age, we have access to more biblical resources than ever before.  

With that in mind, here are some helpful tips:

If your schedule is jam-packed,  you can listen to the Bible on the Dwell app https://dwellapp.io/ as you drive around town.

If you have trouble understanding the Bible, help can be found at enduringword.com or gotquestions.org.

If you’re not a fan of reading, check out the great videos on The Bible Project

Just implement one of these suggestions and the Lord will begin to reshape how you see the world. 

Even if you just spend a little time in God’s Word, maybe for 3 to five 5 days a week, you would be amazed at how much your worldview will change in a given year.

So, we’ve got no more excuses, my friend. The world needs a spiritual overhaul. 

Let it begin with us.

Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH