Thursday, August 13, 2020

Dear Church Family, 

Does having a Christian worldview really matter? Simple answer – yes. Life-changing answer – ABSOLUTELY!!! Let me explain with a few way-too-short points any of which should convince us that everyone – and especially God’s people – must live to the glory of God in all things. 

It is what we were created to do. A bicycle functions when used properly as a means of transportation as when one pedals causing the wheels to turn so that the rider can cruise down the road to his intended destination. I suppose with some effort one could elevate the rear wheel and spin the pedals so that the wheels turn without the bike going anywhere. By feeding carrots into the spokes one could grate them so you could make a carrot salad. Most of us would say there are simple and more efficient ways to chop up veggies then using a bicycle. Most people use up much energy and accomplish little of lasting value because they live in a manner for which there were not made by the Creator of all things. 

Second, if you are not living for the glory of God, it is highly likely you are living for the glory and/or pleasure of your self. Doing so shows you have bought into the lie of Satan when he told Eve that when she ate the forbidden fruit she would be like God. All people have been made in the image of God and shaped to worship. The question remains whether one will worship the Almighty God or the less-than-mighty self. 

Third, having a Christian worldview gives one a purpose to live for beyond his time on earth. As we will see this Sunday, God’s people have heaven in mind – front and center – as they live each day in the presence of God and for Him. The ultimate goal for those who profess Jesus as Savior and Lord will be the City of God! [I got some of these thought from Gerrit Dawson, a pastor in Baton Rouge.] Sadly, many have embraced (perhaps unwittingly) a form of cultural Marxism. They practice ‘survival of the fittest’ and every person uses there power to throw aside anyone that might oppress them. The end goal is Utopia where “equality of outcome for the faithful” is realized. 

Since this worldview and others stand in opposition to God, they lack any true transcendent meaning. All there is must be seen and is temporal. Any honest person who holds to this perspective must admit it gives no eternal hope. It holds to the motto of “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” This worldview has been lived out many times over the centuries and history has shown it produces only war, evil and emptiness. In contrast, Jesus came that His people “may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). 

The choice remains simple, yet life-changing. Either you live to the glory of God and have a full life or you live another way and live and empty life – on earth and on the other side of eternity. Remember the words of Scott Lee “It’s all about God and His glory!” 

Living by grace to His glory, 
Pastor Gillikin