DB7 response to Caroline Murphy
An educator with a biblical worldview would define truth as “the Truth, which is that which God knows to be true” (Gilson, 2011). Divine truth is a gift revealed to the world, in His time, by the Holy Spirit. We are to share the truth. However, this truth stands in direct opposition to the world’s truth. Martin Luther describes it as “the most intolerable thing on earth” (Plass, 1959, p. 1399). We can find this truth in the Bible, which details stories from Abraham, the prophets and Jesus. These stories are not of human construction, they belong to God. God’s creation also holds His truth. It is visible in the magnificent beauty that abounds on the land, in the ocean and in the sky.
According to the New Testament, a person holding a biblical worldview would promote certain traits such as being useful and benefitting others. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23, New International Version). Therefore, the primary trait is to be a servant like Christ. Jesus also says that we are to show “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Consequently, anyone with a biblical worldview would consider these five traits vital.
That same educator would view the student’s nature as sinful and forgiven. This is because every student reflects God’s image; however, a student is free to choose an ungodly path. A simple example is the situation when one asks a class to begin working on a collaborative assignment. Instead of working, a student gets off task and gets loud. They refuse to listen when told to refocus and use an inside voice. Though most students know how to behave, he/she chooses to ignore the instructions and continues to stay unfocused and loud. Despite the behavior, he/she is God’s child and Christ died for his/her sins. Therefore, is worthy in God’s eyes and in turn treated with forgiveness and love.
That educator’s role in that classroom would center on teaching students the Gospel. This role includes demonstrating all of the characteristics Jesus taught us. The teacher would model all six of the traits mentioned above in their thoughts, words, and actions. The teacher would also recognize that God did not call his/her to teach whatever the world deems worthy but called them to teach His truth. So someday, God will say to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).
References
Gilson, T. (2011, 9 6). Truth vs. 'Truth': worldview and you. Retrieved from BREAKPOINT:
Plass, E. (1959). What Luther Says: an anthology. Volume III. Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.
In 1 John 2:21, we are advised, “I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth” (King James Version). In today’s world, we are bombarded with information. Balancing it all against the truth of God’s word piece by piece would be a challenge of epic proportions. Fortunately, we who are of Christ have the advantage of the indwelling of the Spirit as a guide. I have a friend who uses the expression “a check in my Spirit.” Anytime she feels that vague feeling of unease that something is not true, it gives her pause. Her obedience to the Spirit is one of the things I most admire about her.
Under the bombardment of information in today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to step through any check in the Spirit that or to brush it aside. Truth is not easy. It is not always “fair,” but it is always right, and always just. The embodiment of truth is, however, a critical element of the Christian. It is in that dichotomy of humanity and Spirit that truth can direct our paths. The Lord will never lead us astray. In following Him, we will never lead astray those within our care. Throughout the Gospels we are reminded that “the wise man built his house upon the rock,” and the old hymn reminds us “On Christ the solid rock I stand.” After all, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, King James Version). This truth will guide us in grace as we deal with those entrusted to our care.