🔍 What Values Shape Your Life?
“I define my own life.” This is the mantra of modern culture—an anthem of personal autonomy. But it stands in direct contrast to the Christian worldview.
The Christian worldview anchors value judgments in God’s Word.
Humans are called to live not by self-made truths, but by divine revelation. In contrast, the secular worldview elevates autonomy and relativism.
📖 What Are Biblical Values?
Biblical values are based on the unchanging character and Word of God. They provide a moral framework rooted in objective truth—guiding how we see right and wrong, beauty, justice, and human purpose.
Francis Schaeffer wrote, “Christianity is not merely a series of moral truths, but a unified worldview that interprets all of life.”
These values are not flexible opinions but reflect God’s eternal nature and design.
🌍 What Are Secular Values?
Secular values are man-centered and grounded in personal freedom and moral relativism. “There’s no absolute truth,” “All opinions are valid,” “Just be true to yourself”—these ideas form its foundation.
While often dressed in the language of tolerance and inclusion, secular values ultimately erode shared moral foundations.
Nancy Pearcey observes, “The secular worldview deifies human autonomy and, ironically, dehumanizes humanity.”
⚔️ Where the Clash Happens
These two worldviews clash in every arena of life. Consider:
- Sex: Scripture upholds sex within marriage, while secularism promotes sexual freedom and choice.
- Life: Christianity defends the sanctity of life, while secularism often defends abortion and euthanasia as rights.
- Truth: Christianity asserts absolute truth; secularism says “your truth” and “my truth” can coexist.
Christian youth find themselves at the frontlines of this cultural tension.
🧭 How Should We Live?
Living by biblical values means applying Scripture not just in church but in classrooms, offices, and online spaces.
John Stott wisely said, “Christians are not to be withdrawn from the world, but sent into it.”
This requires not retreat, but discernment—being rooted in truth while present in the world as salt and light.
🌐 Recommended Resources
⚠️ A Final Word of Caution
Secular values may appear more tolerant, but they erode the foundation of truth and identity. Biblical values, though countercultural, lead to freedom rooted in God’s design.
Living by Scripture is not about restriction—it is the pathway to flourishing as God intended.
