Worldview is serious business.
Worldview affects how we see and interpret everything in life. It’s the lens through which we view the world. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Perception is reality.” To the one perceiving, it often feels that way.
How we see shapes what we believe is real
The word “worldview” comes from the German word weltanschauung, meaning “a comprehensive conception of the universe and humanity’s place in it.”
Essentially, it’s how we interpret reality. And what we perceive often becomes our version of the truth.
Jesus touched on this in Matthew 6:22-23:
“The eye is the lamp of the body; if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (NASB)
Jesus is saying that if our perspective is clear and healthy, our lives will be filled with light. A clear view of reality brings success and fulfillment.
The Need for a Clear View
We all crave a “theory of everything.” It helps us understand how our personal stories fit into the larger picture. As Christ-followers, our goal should be to grow in the mind of Christ, shaping our worldview according to His truth.
What is real?
Philosopher J. Budziszewski once said, “Your worldview has to have the same shape as reality.”
Some people argue that reality is subjective—what’s true for one may not be true for another.
But what if there is an Ultimate Reality that isn’t shaped by personal opinion? If this is true, any worldview not aligned with it means we’re living a lie—and we may not even know it.
A Call to Clarity
This is serious stuff. Humans are uniquely designed with the ability to think about how we think. We have conscience and discernment that animals don’t. This allows us to reflect on the shape of our reality and make sure it’s based on the truth.
Anything less than aligning with Ultimate Reality leads us into darkness.