Worldview and Wellness

What we believe influences how we behave.  A worldview is a way of perceiving the actions, attitudes, affinities, authorities, and accepted truths considering oneself and those observed.  Potentially comprised of many philosophical, physical, psychological, personal, and professed/presumed sovereign sources, worldview is a lens through which humans see themselves and others.  Many sources deem themselves genuine, and many accepted truths are indeed consistent with universal truth; and there are truths which are irrefutable, regardless of circumstance, culture, or course of discussion.

A zeitgeist is a German word derived from the words for "spirit" and "time."  The beliefs, happenings, fears, expectations, and attitude of a time define that period/place's zeitgeist.

James 1:5-8 and James 4:8 warn of consequences and the anecdote to being "doubleminded."  Wavering, vacillating, hypocrisy - these words and others appear in entries regarding doubleminded ways of being.  One whose worldview is contingent on his/her zeitgeist bears this trait of thinking and behaving marked by disregard for Sovereign-sourced, Scriptural truth.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. 

He will not rebuke you for asking. 

6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. 

Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea 

that is blown and tossed by the wind. 

7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, 

and they are unstable in everything they do.

James 1:5-8 New Living Translation

Indoctrination by popular culture, silver-tongued professors, and even those we care for deeply can present danger in light of the calling to be steadfast, intentional, and sober in our thinking.

Jotting with Johnna:  Thirsty Thursday Edition
Belief and behavior are inextricably linked.  How do the following verses exhort you to be conscious of your worldview despite the zeitgeist?  Is there an area of your thought-life, social-life, speech, or any other area that you realize needs a revision (Psalm 139:23-24)?

1 Peter 4:7; 5:8 | Titus 2:6-15 | Romans 12:1-2

Ephesians 6:10-18 | 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13 | 2 Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 3:14 | 2 Thessalonians 3:5 | Galatians 6:9

Jesus said that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled.  What areas are you thirsting for righteousness to increase in your life today?  Is there someone from whom you can seek wise counsel?

Remember:  you are worthy of the work involved in understanding the way you see the world, the costs of consistency, and the rewards of wisdom as you seek wellness in all facets of your life.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.