Humanity stands at the crossroads of two profoundly different worldviews, each with its own set of assumptions that guide our conduct, shape our priorities, and ultimately determine the trajectory of our lives. These worldviews are either structured by the world or by the Word of God, and our mental programming can lead to vastly different outcomes. We are faced with the choice between blessed transformation through the renewing of our minds or cursed degeneration through rejection of divine truth, ultimately becoming a certified reprobate. The fruit of our lives is determined by our doctrinal DNA, and we become what we meditate on. This principle is evident in the observable contributions—or lack thereof—that we make in society. What are you full of? Selah. If you are programmed to lie, steal, rape, pillage, and kill—especially against those considered as natural, God-ordained enemies—peaceful coexistence in a free society becomes impossible. Such conditioning leads to viewing others as liabilities rather than assets, disrupting the harmony that a society built on trust and cooperation requires.
The Worldview of Selfishness: The Now and the Narcissistic
In the worldview rooted in selfishness, life is a zero-sum game. This perspective is built on the assumption that the world is a closed system where resources are limited, and one's gain inevitably comes at another's expense. This paradigm is deeply entrenched in the materialistic and scientific outlook that dominates much of contemporary thought. According to this view, meaning and morality are constructs—tools we use to navigate a world where survival is the ultimate goal.
Under the guise of cooperation and charity, this worldview often reveals its true nature as nihilistically narcissistic. It is the belief that we are our own gods, determining good and evil based on our subjective experiences and desires. This self-centered approach to life is reminiscent of the rebellion in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve, tempted by the serpent, sought to "be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5, NIV). This rebellion against the divine order, rooted in pride and self-exaltation, led to their expulsion from paradise, just as Lucifer was cast out of heaven for his prideful obsession with self (Isaiah 14:12-15, NIV).
When individuals are programmed with a mindset that justifies lying, stealing, raping, pillaging, and killing—particularly against those labeled as "enemies"—their ability to peacefully coexist in a free society is fundamentally compromised. Such individuals see others not as fellow human beings deserving of respect and dignity, but as obstacles to be overcome or liabilities to be managed. This dehumanizing perspective, born out of a corrupted worldview, destroys the foundation of trust necessary for any society to flourish. Instead of contributing positively to the common good, these individuals contribute to the breakdown of social order and the perpetuation of violence and division.
History is replete with examples of societies and individuals who have embraced this worldview to their detriment. The fall of great civilizations, from Rome to the modern era, often traces back to a turn inward, where selfish desires and moral relativism took precedence over the common good and adherence to higher principles. The pursuit of power, wealth, and pleasure at the expense of others has consistently led to societal decay and personal destruction. This is the hell we create for ourselves—a self-imposed condemnation rooted in rebellion against God’s design.
Faith and the Future Feast
In stark contrast stands the worldview of sacrifice, one that is deeply embedded in biblical principles and has been the foundation of free societies and Western civilization. This perspective is guided by the belief that life is not a zero-sum game but an opportunity to serve others, to live holy, honorable, and righteous lives in anticipation of a future feast in heaven. This worldview calls for faith and patience, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from immediate gratification but from aligning our lives with God's will and serving others.
The Bible provides numerous examples of this sacrificial approach to life. Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of selfless love, lived a life of service, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity (John 15:13, NIV). His life and teachings embody the principle that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35, NIV). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, urging believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1, NIV).
Just as selfishness and living only for the moment create a hellish existence filled with emptiness and despair, fasting for the future—sacrificing immediate pleasures for greater, long-term rewards—leads to heavenly outcomes. This principle is evident in the wisdom of making decisions that are other-oriented, future-thinking, and delayed in gratification. Consider the examples of studying hard to build a career, abstaining from sex before marriage to preserve the sanctity of the family, and laying a solid foundation for life’s future challenges. These decisions, while requiring discipline and patience, ultimately produce a life that is rich in love, wealth, and care. In a terrenal sense, this is a foretaste of heaven on earth—a paradisiacal existence built over time through right choices, preparing us for our ultimate homecoming to the Father who art in heaven.
But this sacrificial lifestyle is not merely about human effort or moral discipline. It is deeply intertwined with the spirit of faith, where the work of righteousness is paradoxically accomplished through dependence on God's empowerment by grace. As Christ's yokefellows, we are not left to toil alone but are invited to do the work in the Holy Spirit's power. This divine partnership brings peace and joy to our labor, allowing us to be cheerful givers, even "happy slaves" who are freed from the bondage of sin. Paul beautifully illustrates this in his letter to the Philippians, where he encourages believers to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV). This divine synergy enables us to live sacrificially, not as a burdensome duty, but as a joyous expression of our love for God and others.
This joy is crucial because, as Deuteronomy hints, the curse of the law falls upon all who do not serve the LORD with joy and gladness of heart (Deuteronomy 28:47-48, NIV). The kingdom of God, as Paul reminds us, is not merely about rules and rituals but is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, NIV). Without the new birth, we remain in our sins, under the curse, and are sons of Satan, as Jesus pointedly states in John 8:44 (NIV). But when we are born again, the Holy Spirit regenerates us, making us His habitation and filling us with fruits that bring the blessings of Deuteronomy rather than its curses. Our union and identification with Christ transform our lives from one of slavery to sin into one of freedom and blessing, as we live in alignment with God's will.
History also bears witness to the power of this worldview in shaping societies for the better. The development of Western civilization, with its emphasis on human dignity, individual rights, and the rule of law, has its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. These societies, built on biblical principles, have been characterized by a commitment to justice, charity, and the common good. The abolition of slavery, the establishment of hospitals and schools, and the development of democratic institutions are all outgrowths of this sacrificial worldview.
However, this path is not easy. It requires a long-term perspective, one that values the future feast in heaven over the fleeting pleasures of the present. It demands that we live as other-oriented servants and saints, finding our pleasure in pleasing others and promoting peace and prosperity. This is the essence of true freedom—the freedom to choose the good, to live in accordance with the truth, and to fulfill our God-given purpose.
The Eternal Consequences: Choosing Our Destiny
The existential questions we face are not merely academic; they have eternal consequences. The choices we make, the worldview we adopt, and the priorities we set will determine our ultimate destiny. Will we follow the path of selfishness, living for the now and building our own hell in rebellion against God? Or will we choose the path of sacrifice, fasting for a future feast in heaven and living in service to others according to the principles that have stood the test of time?
The Bible warns us that the path of selfishness leads to destruction: "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, NIV). But it also offers the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ for those who choose the path of sacrifice: "But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NIV). The decision is ours, and the stakes could not be higher.
In conclusion, our worldview assumptions are not merely abstract ideas but strategic frameworks that guide the conduct of our lives. The tension between selfishness and sacrifice, between living for the now and fasting for the future, is a fundamental choice that defines who we are and what we become. As history and Scripture teach us, the path of sacrifice, rooted in biblical principles, leads to true freedom, peace, and prosperity. The alternative—a life centered on self—leads to despair, destruction, and ultimately, eternal separation from God. Let us choose wisely, for our existential questions have eternal consequences.
The Path to Salvation and Reconciliation with God
Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, offers the path to salvation and reconciliation with God. By acknowledging His lordship and believing in His resurrection, individuals enter into the transformative reality of the Trinity, fostering justice, equality, and love in all aspects of life.
To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, simply confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. This simple act of faith brings you into a living relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, offering eternal life and the peace of knowing God: "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9, NKJV).
References
Paul, the Apostle. Letter to the Philippians. The New Testament. Referenced for Philippians 2:12-13, illustrating the divine synergy in righteous living through God's empowerment.
Wright, N.T. Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2013. A scholarly examination of Paul's theology, particularly in the context of sacrificial living and faith.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter to the Romans. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996. Provides insight into Romans 14:17, discussing the Kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 28:47-48. The New Testament. Discusses the curse of the law and the necessity of serving the Lord with joy, linked to the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy.
Ferguson, Sinclair B. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters. Wheaton: Crossway, 2016. Offers a theological exploration of the balance between law and grace, relevant to the discussion of living under God's blessing or curse.
Wright, N.T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003. Provides a deep analysis of the resurrection and the new birth, relating to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.
McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 6th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2017. Discusses the theological underpinnings of Christian living, sacrifice, and the kingdom of God.
Stott, John R.W. The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. This work offers a comprehensive examination of the sacrificial nature of Christ's work and its implications for Christian living.
Pearcey, Nancy R. Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2004. Discusses the impact of worldview on society, morality, and the individual, particularly in relation to the clash between materialism and a biblical worldview.
These sources offer a blend of biblical exegesis, theological reflection, and historical analysis to provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the existential questions and eternal consequences discussed in the article.
Note: Although I have not read the entirety of each of the scholarly sources referenced, I trust them as solid, supporting elements in the structure of my sermon. These works have been filtered through the high standards of reputable academic publishers, and I have included paraphrased quotations so that readers can reference these points directly. The selected sources provide a reliable foundation for understanding the theological and historical context of the arguments presented.
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