A Christian Worldview of People
By Silas Young
Everyone has a worldview. That view shapes the way they see the world, life, God, others and themselves. As Christians, we need to be informed and equipped by the truth of God’s Word regarding relevant issues so that we can develop a solid, Christian worldview.
Our goal should be to learn how God views things and adopt His viewpoint for ourselves.
In recent days, much attention has been given to issues of race, racism and social justice.
What does it look like to have a Christian worldview in these divided times?
Christians are uniquely qualified to address issues of racism and reconciliation because we have experienced spiritual reconciliation with God. The Gospel is the ultimate example of reconciliation, and the Bible says that Christians have been given the ministry of reconciliation.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:18
As Christians, we should be leading in the fight for equality for all people. We are to be the examples. We must have love and compassion for those who are hurting. Many Christians wonder what they can do to help amidst the seeming chaos.
The first step is to make sure you have a solid Christian worldview of people.
The Bible teaches four universal truths about human beings that should form our worldview, including the way we view and treat others.
1. All human beings are created in God’s image
Humanity is God’s special creation. It is the only part of creation that is made in God’s image.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Genesis 1:26
God gave the creation of man in His image as the reason for the harsh punishment against murder.
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. – Genesis 9:6
All people are made in God’s image regardless of their place of birth or the color of their skin.
God is our Creator and does not view any people group as more important than another.
…for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons. – 2 Chronicles 19:7
And so, fundamentally, all people are unique and inherently valuable.
2. All human beings come from common ancestors
The world has many categories and labels, and they can be helpful when used correctly.
The term “race” is one of those labels, but may not entirely be accurate based on a Christian worldview. The Bible teaches that all people have descended from two main ancestors, Adam and Eve.
Yes, differences of color, location, language and culture exist, but we are all part of one human race. The Bible makes this clear in the New Testament.
And (God) hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth… – Acts 17:26
All human beings are equal because of our common heritage.
3. All human beings are affected by sin
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: – Romans 5:12
Sin entered the world because of Adam’s disobedience. Because we are all descended from him, sin has affected us. What does this mean?
Sin is systemic.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23
The Bible is clear in that every single person who has ever lived has missed the mark of God’s perfection.
This is the reason why systems are broken…because people are broken. If you fix the system without fixing the people, you will just have a different broken system.
Racism is not primarily a skin problem, it is a sin problem. Racism, hate and hurt are all symptoms of the root problem of sin.
Though all sin is equal, all sin is not equal in consequences. The consequences of racism are many times deep, hidden and divisive. Ultimately then, to solve the problem of racism, there must be a change of heart. But how can this happen?
4. All human beings can be saved and unified through Jesus Christ
Love is needed to overcome the hate in the world.
Healing is needed to overcome the hurt in the world.
Unity is needed to overcome the division in the world.
What can bring all of these together into one answer? Salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Bible says…
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:26-28
As Christians, our identity is found in Jesus Christ. It supersedes racial identities, socio-economic identities and even sexual identities.
All those who have placed their faith in Jesus have been united through Him. That bond is stronger than any category, label or difference that exists in the world!
Practical difference-makers…
Apply a Christian worldview of people
- Pray for our country
- Refuse to personally believe stereotypes and assumptions
- Research and read as much as possible
- Build relationships with those who believe, look and act differently from them
- Are respectful when talking to people about these issues, especially on social media
- Love all they come in contact with
A Christian worldview will enable us to love others because we see all people as created in the image of God, coming from common ancestors, in need of salvation from sin, and with the potential to be saved and unified through Jesus Christ.
