Worldview 2020: Introduction to the Framework

In the first quarter of this year, I was invited by a friend to do a one-time lecture to her class about the topic “data”. It got me all excited, not because I had it all figured out, but because I know it’s a topic that could interest all of us. I don’t think I had the ideas fully formed when I accepted the challenge then nor do I think I already have. But in the process of preparing, I found myself ending up with a personal “framework” of a “worldview”. Allow me to define these terms with Merriam Webster’s help:

“Worldview” – “a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint” or in basic terms – how a person sees the world.

 “Framework” – “a basic conceptional structure”; “a skeletal, openwork, or structural frame” or in other words – a set of connected concepts in it’s simplest state.

Here is the initial personal framework for the worldview developed which I realized are snippets of what the Lord in providence has been teaching (e.g., So what changed?, What’s your favorite bible verse?, It’s who it’s for)

Lord willing, may this series be a helpful guide to a person in biblically interpreting reality’s facts, events, and experiences and bring that person closer to Him. As we enter the year 2020, may He infuse us with grace to see with clearer eyes of faith that truly:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36

Life and Seashells

As my pen hits the blank page,
I seek towards our ultimate aim.
Behold, an image is set before me,
Perhaps interpreting it is key.

A man observes an open shell,
Along with the foot prints beside it – “where’d it go?” -who can tell.
Reminding him of two vivid stories from not so long ago,
Shaping his perception on what one must be thorough.

One story went about retired parents,
And in the beach they picked up – seashells.
“What a comfortable life!” it can be said,
Until one considers – the end.

The other story was about a young couple,
Who perished while sharing the Lord’s gospel.
“What a tragic life…” it can be said,
Until, again, one considers – the end.

In this, one may find life’s vanity under the sun,
And it is! It truly is… Lest one behold God the Son.
I am one who found the pearl of great in-exchangeable price with the latter story,
following the footprints of the former like-minded godly men – for His glory.

For all these shall come to pass,
Only what’s done for Christ shall last.
In the end, all shall settle his account,
Dear reader, to what shall your life amount?

___________________

This was written last April 13, 2019 where my church mates and I attended an event named “Write Cebu Litfest Writing Session”. To encourage us to write, the facilitator shared a DixIt deck and I randomly picked the one with the shell. This poem is inspired by John Piper’s sermon on seashells, early reformers, and a quote from CT Studd. Had such a wonderful time with this bunch.

To Him be all the glory!