What is your WorldView?

I just started a Beth Moore Bible Study in the book of Daniel and the very first day it referenced a scripture in Isaiah 47:10 that says, "I am, and there is no one besides me." Of course that contradicts the commandment in Exodus 20:3 that says, "You will have no other gods before Me" as well as God's statement in Exodus 3:14 "I AM who I AM" and the Psalmist who writes in Psalm 86:8 "there is no one like you." Finally, in modern day it is totally opposite of Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Life in which the first line reads, "It is not about you." Or Louie Giglio’s book I am not but I know I AM. How ironic that the ancient Babylonian world of overindulgence and self-absorption perfectly parallels what the popular western (American) culture teaches and idolizes: material girls, pretty women, macho men - we are influenced by media (songs, movies, and now reality TV) in a powerful way. We are indoctrinated at an early age to focus on the external, the material, the shallow, and the appearance rather than "setting our minds on things above and not on things of this world." We have come full circle in 2500 years to back to this secular humanistic worldview...how much more important it is for us to have a Christian Worldview.

Timothy's first book (ch 4) encourages us to "discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness." He later (ch 6) exhorts us to "flee from these things...and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." So what is it going to be? Will we take charge of our lives and discipline ourselves to live a life of faith that honors God or will we let the world dictate our morals and values? Hard questions - and an even harder road to follow. The sacrifices (in this world) are great; however the (eternal) rewards are greater still. Let' PRESS ON!