Perspective

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

The English word worldview borrows its meaning from a German idea found in the word Weltanschauung (Welt = “world”; Anschauung = “view or outlook”). In both languages it means the same: the broad framework or set of values and principles by which one interprets life’s experiences. Whether it’s defined or not, everyone has a worldview—a way of understanding life, a perspective that governs one’s mind, will, and emotions.

Heaven has a very clear perspective called the will of God. As He made clear in the Garden of Eden, God intended for heaven’s perspective to rule the earth (Genesis 1:28-30; 2:16-17). But mankind lost sight of God’s perspective because of sin. Nonetheless, when Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God in His ministry, He made it clear that it was time for God’s will to again “be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). The only way for that to happen is for us to live in close relationship with God Himself—trusting in His Son and being counseled and guided by His Spirit.

If you are a citizen of heaven already (Philippians 3:20), then living with a heavenly perspective on earth should come supernaturally to you.

Any worldview that cannot cope with death is fatally deficient.

ALISTER MCGRATH^a