This is a guest post by Kathy Koch, author of Parent Differently and founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc.
I’m currently preparing to be a keynote speaker at a national convention. I spoke at this same event three years ago and received the loudest standing ovation I’ve ever received. As I prepare the message for this year’s convention, I must get that memory out of my head. I can’t do what I do for people’s applause. I’m a Christ follower, so that’s not appropriate.
I’m grateful my biblical worldview motivates me to honor God by using His gifts and strength to do my work. A worldview is the lens through which we view the world. It acts as a filter that influences and should even control our decisions because our worldview is the foundation of our values. It defines our priorities. Having a biblical worldview puts God’s Word, ways, and will front and center. It means we’ll be firmly planted and less tempted to go wherever the current cultural climate suggests we should go.
If my worldview was about my popularity, I’d manipulate people to get their approval to earn another standing ovation. Instead I do what I do because God calls me to it. It’s about putting His goodness on display and becoming more like Him as I live out His plans for my life.
What Treasures Remain?Â
My great-nephew and great-nieces have a sandbox in their backyard. Among the sandbox toys is a filter tray that reminds me of what explorers might have used to look for gold nuggets among the river rocks back in the day. Maison enjoys filling the tray with sand and shaking it from side to side to sift it. As it falls through the smallest holes, she sees if there’s anything left. Perhaps she imagines finding treasure one day.
When you and I sift our ideas, emotions, beliefs, values, and attitudes, what remains is determined by something. Which do we keep? Which do we toss? Our worldview is the filter.
The biblical worldview is the filter and lens we want young people to have and use. We want them to know how to choose biblical, right, true, good, and healthy ideas versus what is nonbiblical, wrong, false, evil, and unhealthy.
A Biblical Worldview and Sexuality
A biblical worldview is essential for us, our kids, and the kids we serve in the arena of sex and sexuality. It means we can know and follow God’s best for us.
When it comes to the kids in our care, accurate information about sex and sexuality isn’t enough. Youth also need reasons to believe ideas and act on their beliefs. Teaching them about a biblical worldview will empower them because they will know:
- They matter greatly because God created them intentionally and Jesus died and lives for them (e.g., Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 2:10, Romans 5:8). Therefore, they will want to honor God with their choices, including with their bodies (e.g., Corinthians 6:15-20).
- Everyone has been created in God’s image and is worthy of the utmost respect (Genesis 1:27). Everyone matters greatly! Therefore, they will not manipulate, take advantage of, or abuse others.
- They can believe in themselves and live purposefully with the future in mind. They’re new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11), and don’t have to consider sexual purity a hard sacrifice (1 Corinthians 6:17-19).
- God designed sex to be a pleasurable expression of intimate love in marriage between a man and a woman (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:1-3). Therefore, they can reserve sexual activity for marriage because they believe God’s ways are best.
- They will prioritize joy over happiness (e.g., Galatians 5:22), effort over laziness (e.g., Proverbs 14:23), discernment over confusion (e.g., Philippians 1:8-10), courage over fear (e.g., Joshua 1:9), gratitude over entitlement (e.g., Colossians 3:16), and so many other character issues. Therefore, they will be content, other-centered, and humble. These character qualities will cause them not to use people, but love and serve them instead.
We want and need youth to be wise! This means they know what to do, why to do it, how to do it, and hopefully will do it. For these reasons, we should be highly motivated to teach the truth about sex and sexuality and a biblical worldview.
How Do We Teach Biblical Worldview?
Youth may not have a sandbox filter in their hands, but they need a filter for their minds and hearts. A biblical worldview allows them to recognize what and who is good for them and can provide the motivational power they need to live well.
To teach a biblical worldview, make sure children see and hear you read the Bible on more than Sunday mornings. Refer to it and God’s wisdom and will when relevant. Explain that although God’s Word won’t tell you what church to join or whether to try to conceive another child, the Word has principles we can follow when making decisions. Let them see and hear you doing it. The book of Proverbs is full of relevant and timely truths. The way Jesus lived His life is another thing to stress.
Talk out loud about what you believe about God and why you use those beliefs as your filter and lens. Specifically talk out loud about the decisions you make. Don’t assume children or youth can rightly interpret what they observe. They may not connect the dots at all. For example, why do you leave for church on time despite being tired after a challenging Saturday? Why do you not gossip at work even though others do? Why are you generous even when you don’t have a lot? Why do you sacrifice for others? Why did you not attend your friend’s daughter’s wedding? Why do you contribute to prolife causes?
There are many other areas where your worldview shows up. Can you identify some?
