Running head: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW ESSAY
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Biblical Worldview Essay
Hilary Hartman
Theology 104
Liberty University
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW ESSAY
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Biblical Worldview Essay
Introduction
As a Christian, I believe that mankind is created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 (New
Living Translation) says “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God
he created them; male and female he created them.” There is nothing else on earth except people
that are formed in God’s likeness. How we perceive God influences everything that we do, “the
way we treat each other (as individuals being created in God's image), our stewardship of God's
creation, our understanding of our vocation as a way to glorify God—all areas of life are
changed as our view of God changes” (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2014, p.3). As a Christian and a
teacher, I believe it is important to also do everything that I do as unto the Lord, which includes
being patient with my students, holding them accountable for their actions, offering forgiveness,
showing the love of God, and modeling godly behavior in all I do.
Example 1
God is full of unfailing love and kindness (Jeremiah 31:3, New International Version).
Because we are made in God’s image, when we accept His gift of love, then we, too, can love
others with his love. As a teacher, I get the opportunity to extend this love and kindness to my
students and colleagues daily. Jesus was the best teacher in the world, who used illustrations and
analogies to communicate difficult concepts (Etzel & Gutierrez, 2014, p. 16). As I teach my
students the basic skills needed to move forward in school, I also desire to show them the love
and kindness that God has shown me. In John 13:34 Jesus says “a new command I give you:
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (New International
Version). One way that I ensure that I am showing God’s love to my students is to keep my
words and tones kind at all times. I am also conscientious of my body language towards me
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students. I try not to let any frustration or disappointment show through to them, only love and
kindness. Since I have been made in God’s image, I must strive to be like him daily, and that
understanding reaches every area of my life, including modeling God’s love and kindness to my
students.
Example 2
Another quality that I believe Christian’s should adopt, being made in God’s image, is
accountability. Towns (2007) says that “the Bible teaches God created the first man in His image,
therefore all people are accountable to their Creator” (Towns, 2007, ch.8). God expects his
children to be accountable for their actions. Romans 14:12 says “so then, each of us will be
accountable to God” (New Revised Standard). We will be accountable for every good and bad
decision that we have made. Likewise, I expect the children in my classroom to be accountable
for their decisions. They are first, accountable to God. Working in a Christian school I am able to
explain what it means to be accountable to God for the choices that they make. Next, they are
accountable to me (as well as their parents) for their decisions regarding behavior, homework,
and tests.
Example 3
While God will hold me accountable for my decisions, he also is a God full of grace and
forgiveness. Knowing that I have been created in his image and that to know him is to be like
him, I must also be full of forgiveness for my students. The Bible says that “If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1
John 1:9, English Standard Version). When my students exhibit bad behavior or are irresponsible
I hold them accountable, but I also show grace and forgiveness. God is a God of second chances,
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and this is something that I practice in my classroom with my students. Colossians 3:13 (New
Living Translation) says “make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who
offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Conclusion
To truly know God is to be like him, to think what he thinks, to feel what he feels, and to
do what he does. As Christians, we become like him. This means taking on his characteristics
and qualities, and treating others the way that God would treat us: with love, forgiveness,
kindness, and compassion. In addition, God expects me to love others as he also loves them. We
are all sinners saved by his grace, in need of a savior. As I draw near to the Lord and grow in a
deeper relationship with him, I will become more like him and possess his qualities and
characteristics. I strive to be more like him each day, and as I hold my students accountable I will
continue to show love, kindness, grace, and forgiveness to each child in my classroom.
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References
Etzel, G., & Gutierrez, B. (2014). Theology Applied: A Living Faith. Nashville, TN: Lifeway
Church Resources
Towns, E. (2007). Core Christianity. Nashville, TN: Lifeway Church Resources.
