God the Son, Student Workbook, SW10

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G O D T H E S O N

A P P E N D I X 1 5

Picking Up on Different Wavelengths Integrated vs. Fragmented Mindsets and Lifestyles Dr. Don L. Davis

A Fragmented Mindset and Lifestyle

An Integrated Lifestyle and Mindset

Sees things primarily in relation to one’s own needs

Sees all things as one and whole

Sees something other than God as a substitute point of reference and coordination for meaning and truth

Sees God in Christ as the ultimate point of reference and coordination for all meaning and truth

Seeks God’s blessing upon one’s own personal enhancement

Aligns personal goals with God’s ultimate plan and purposes

Understands the purpose of life to experience the greatest level of personal fulfillment and enhancement possible

Understands the purpose of life to make the maximum contribution possible to God’s purpose in the world

Only relates to others in connection to their effect upon and place within one’s individual personal space

Deeply identifies with all people and things as an integral part of God’s great plan for his own glory

Defines theology as seeking to express someone’s perspective on some religious idea or concept

Defines theology as seeking to comprehend God’s ultimate designs and plans for himself in Jesus Christ

Applications are rooted in seeking right responses to particular issues and situations

Applications are byproducts of understanding what God is doing for himself in the world

Focuses on the style of analysis (to discern the processes and make-up of things)

Focuses on the style of synthesis (to discern the connection and unity of all things)

Seeks to understand biblical revelation primarily from the standpoint of God’s plan for whole (”God’s plan for the ages”)

Seeks to understand biblical revelation primarily from the standpoint of one’s private life (”God’s plan for my life”) Governed by pressing concerns to ensure one’s own security and significance in one’s chosen endeavors (”My personal life plan”)

Decision making is governed by commitment to participate as co-workers with God in the overall vision (”God’s working in the world”)

Coordinates itself around personal need as a working paradigm and project

Connects and correlates itself around God’s vision and plan as a working paradigm

Sees mission and ministry as the present, practical expression of one’s identity vis-a-vis the panoramic vision of God

Sees mission and ministry as the expression of one’s personal giftedness and burden, bringing personal satisfaction and security

Relates knowledge, opportunity, and activity to the goals of personal enhancement and fulfillment

Relates knowledge, opportunity, and activity to a single, integrated vision and purpose

All of life is perceived to revolve around the personal identity and needs of the individual

All of life is perceived to revolve around a single theme: the revelation of God in Jesus of Nazareth