35. My Philosophy of Life

Purpose: As a Christian matures, there is often consideration of “why I am here” and “what is really important?” I hear challenges from the Word of God, and I see the world around me. I have the Scriptures as a guide for my daily walk. I see the two considerations just mentioned, and I feel a need to answer those for my own life.

One may refer to this as seeking a goal that is truly his and is attainable. Others refer to a mission statement. The statement describing this session involves the writing of one’s philosophy of life. Helping you build an adequate philosophy of life is the primary objective of this session.

Objectives

1. The disciple will be able to define things that are true of him.

2. The disciple will be able to make adjustments in his personal philosophy of life.

3. The disciple will have something on paper that can be read from time to time, make adjustments if necessary, and have his main purpose or goal constantly in mind.

Scripture Memory

But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things - indeed, I regard them as dung! - that I may gain Christ.

Philippians 3:7-8

Agenda

1. Prayer and sharing.

2. Discuss your philosophy of life that you have drafted.

3. Help the disciple in areas he found difficult.

4. Discuss new terms.

5. Mutual sharing of Scripture memory.

Everyone has some ideas about why he is here, what is really of significance to him, how he is carrying out such beliefs, and where and why he is failing. This is an exercise that can be ongoing for the rest of a lifetime. This is to help you begin such a task and make it ongoing. It is important because it involves one’s behavior and how he best lives his life.

This is in reality the development of a philosophy of life. It is the unique statement of who I am and what I am about. The following materials are to help you begin working on this project.

Worksheet

1. What do I believe is real? — A question about reality. This involves simply stating what you believe about this subject. It may sound rather elementary but try to do it and see where your writing goes. For instance, is something real that I cannot touch? Is the spirit world real? Is this table real if I do not see it? Is what I experience my only reality? Don’t worry at this point about being philosophically correct. Just write about where you are in terms of reality—what is real to you?

2. The second consideration involves answering the question, what do I believe regarding truth. Concerning this, you can define truth as you understand it. Is truth found in experience, is it absolute or relative, and where does it come from? Think your answer through carefully and write to the best of your ability.

3. The third question relates to your goals in life as well as what you appreciate. Perhaps stating the latter first would be an easier approach. What things do you most value and appreciate? Feel free to write honestly about this. Then it is important for you to know where you are going. What is most meaningful in your life? What are your goals for the next year? What are your goals for the next five years? What are your goals for the next ten years?

Life Application

On the following pages, write a personal and philosophical paper of two or three pages in length. In this paper, include the things mentioned above. Use Scripture in writing this. Make it truly a statement that applies to you and is uniquely yours. Although you write it now, and it represents where you are now, be tentative in your approach, always desiring to be more skilled in your life as a servant.