Having a Christian worldview does not imply merely resisting the current of the world. It is an active approach to life, making a difference.

This starts with Romans 12:1-2, not being conformed to the world (not adopting its schematic framework, its worldview) but being transformed through renewed minds.

• notice that all the doctrines of Romans 1-11 are significant before we come to this point

Other principles:

• 1 Peter 1:14, not conformed to our former desires
• 2 Corinthians 3:18, being transformed by focusing on the glory of Christ
• Exodus 18:11 shows this transformation: “now I know” God’s greatness after learning what He has done
• Nebuchadnezzar was transformed by his experience with God’s power and righteousness

Examples of those who made a difference in their world:

• Ruth was determined to go with Naomi, and she ended up in the lineage of the Messiah
• Gideon started his service by removing his family’s idols
• Rahab gave up her citizenship, so to speak, by harboring the spies and taking God’s side
• Paul changed from a persecutor to a preacher and was used to help many
• Jael changed the course of the military campaign by leveraging what she had to defeat the enemy
• John Mark departed from the work but returned and was useful; cp. Demas who departed for good

Joseph is an excellent example of making a difference. Everywhere he went, the Lord was with him (for example, Genesis 39). Daniel also changed the king’s decree by his faithfulness (Daniel 1).

Two relevant statements:

• “I am not who I was.” The man in John 9 was born blind and now could see; this realization completely changed the style of his conversation, relationships, and purpose of life.
• “I am here for a reason.” In any given set of circumstances, I can do something for the Lord.
  • Acts 8, Philip was in Samaria, then in the desert, then Azotus; then later in Caesarea
  • Acts 13:15, “do you want to say anything?” and being ready to declare God’s perspective
  • Acts 17:1, Paul waited for Timothy and Silas but was not passive; his observations opened his mouth

In contrast, Lot chose for himself the plains toward Sodom; Genesis 13:10, lust of eyes, of flesh, and the pride of life. He gradually drew closer and closer to the city until he was a resident there. We have to be vigilant, because many times it’s not a dramatic change but a “slow fade” into spiritual disobedience and irrelevance.

Matthew 5:13-14, salt and light

• salt is supposed to have an effect on its environment; if it loses its potency, it has no flavor and no power against corruption
• to change the metaphor, we are useless branches if we do not abide in Christ the true vine
• light is useless if it’s under a basket
• Christ’s character is light; we are also lights, Philippians 2:15; light attracts others to God, Matthew 5:16

Ephesians 5, Christian character that makes a difference

• verse 20, being thankful; if you can learn to give thanks for difficult things in life, it’s liberating”
• walking is a key term in Ephesians; walk in love, walk in light, walk in wisdom in this chapter
• not taking part with unrighteousness, verse 7; sometimes you have to leave the room
• not having fellowship and actively exposing darkness, verse 11; condemning wrong done by others
• not using language that supports coarse, ungodly ideas or unholy innuendo, verse 4
• not getting drunk, verse 18; and by application, not giving up our self-control, subject to the Spirit of God

None of this takes a special calling! Every Christian who develops a biblical worldview will live for God effectively and powerfully in daily life.