Being theocentric means putting God at the center of one’s life and worldview. It involves viewing all of reality in relation to God and recognizing His supreme importance over everything else. The Bible presents a theocentric perspective from beginning to end, so exploring what it means to be theocentric requires looking at some key biblical themes:
God as Creator
The Bible opens by declaring “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This affirms God as the divine Creator of all that exists. Since God created everything, all of creation belongs to Him and exists for His purposes. Being theocentric starts with acknowledging God as the source and owner of all. As Creator, God has authority over everything He made. A theocentric worldview recognizes God’s rights over His creation and our place as creatures made to serve Him.
God’s Glory as the Ultimate Purpose
The Bible shows that God’s ultimate purpose in creating and sustaining the universe is to glorify Himself and display His greatness. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36). God deserves all glory because He is supremely valuable and excellent. A theocentric life seeks to function for God’s glory in all things, rather than living for self-centered pursuits. We exist to magnify the greatness of God, not ourselves.
God’s Presence Filling All Things
God’s presence and the evidence of Him as Creator fill the earth. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1). God’s fingerprints cover all creation. A theocentric perspective sees reminders of God everywhere and acknowledges Him upholding the universe moment-by-moment. Recognizing God’s active presence fuels worship and reliance on Him at all times.
God’s Supreme Worth
Since God is the Creator and His glory is supreme, He alone is worthy of worship. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11). Theocentrism requires esteeming God as infinitely valuable and the only rightful recipient of human allegiance, adoration, and service. He alone is worthy of our lives and worship.
Submission to God’s Authority
Not only is God supremely authoritative as Creator, but His Word also makes clear all other realms belong under His authority. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11). Being theocentric starts with recognizing God’s absolute, universal authority and submitting every area of life to Him.
God’s Laws and Morality
God has authority to establish standards of right and wrong for His creation. A theocentric ethical system recognizes God as the source of morality rather than human ideas. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). What God declares as good, just, right and holy establishes how we should live. Theocentrism shapes morality around God’s laws.
Humanity’s Purpose to Know and Relate to God
The Bible indicates God made people to know, love and be in relationship with Him. Our highest purpose and meaning come from spiritual fellowship with God. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3). Theocentrism means pursuing relationship with God is central in life, not optional. No other relationship should eclipse knowing God.
Seeking God’s Kingdom as Life’s Priority
Jesus taught we should “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). God’s kingdom refers to His sovereign reign. Theocentrism makes pursuing and promoting God’s kingdom agenda the believer’s top priority in life rather than earthly ambitions. Advancing and serving God’s eternal kingdom supersedes all other pursuits.
God’s Story Shaping Our Story
The Bible narrates God’s grand story of creation, fall, redemption, and future restoration. A theocentric outlook sees personal stories as part of God’s bigger narrative rather than detached and self-directed. Our life events, relationships, and callings all connect back to what God is doing in the world through Christ. We find meaning and purpose when our stories align with God’s story.
Life as Worship to God
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Theocentrism impacts all of life, from mundane daily activities to major decisions. Work, recreation, and relationships all become avenues to honor God when done with Him at the center. A theocentric lifestyle integrates worship into everyday living through doing everything as unto the Lord.
The Influence of God’s Presence
The Bible often describes the powerful influence God’s presence has on people and places. Encountering the living God affects every dimension of life. “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme…because I sing of your steadfast love, O LORD.” (Psalm 45:1). Having a theocentric perspective fuels passion for God’s presence and celebrating the life-changing effects of knowing Him.
Christ Centrality
While theocentrism focuses on God’s centrality in all things, the Bible specifically emphasizes Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of God’s plan for the world. He fulfills the Old Testament law and prophets, reconciles humanity to God, and is exalted above all creation. “He is the image of the invisible God…that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:15,18). A thoroughly theocentric worldview has Christ centrality as its core.
Living for God’s Approval
In God’s value system, seeking to please Him should matter most. “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10). Theocentrism shifts focus from pursuing human applause to aspiring to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Fearing the Lord trumps fearing people.
Testifying to God’s Reality and Relevance
A theocentric life provides a witness to God’s reality and relevance in everyday life. By visibly prioritizing and enjoying relationship with God, “make it plain that they seek a homeland…they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” (Hebrews 11:13-16). Undivided devotion declares to the world God is not merely an ancient idea but the worthy focus of life itself. Our lived theocentrism testifies to God’s enduring value.
Living in Light of Eternity
A theocentric perspective sees earthly life in light of eternal existence with God. “…we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Life’s trials and triumphs both gain meaning and gravity in view of the coming age when God’s kingdom is fully realized. What endures into eternity matters most.
Submission to Divine Revelation
God reveals Himself not only in creation but through inspired Scripture. A thoroughly theocentric approach prizes God’s written Word as the supreme authority for truth about God, humanity, and how to live. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16). We shape thinking around God’s inspired revelation, not the reverse.
Life as a Journey with God
The Bible depicts faithful lives as long journeys of walking with God through all of life’s ups and downs. “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). He remains present no matter the season. Theocentrism frames life as an adventure of experiencing God in day-to-day fellowship, relying on His grace through hard times and celebrating His goodness in joyful ones.
Impact on Mental Health
Modern research confirms that a theocentric belief system positively impacts mental health. Grounding identity in relationship with an omnipotent, loving God provides meaning, hope, and strength to endure hardship. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31). Theocentrism’s God-focused perspective equips people to flourish even amid struggles.
Gratitude and Worship as Lifestyle
Recognizing God’s goodness and blessings fuels grateful worship. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!” (Psalm 100:4). Theocentrism cultivates lifestyles of regular thanksgiving and worship as flowing responses to an overflowing God. Gratitude and adoration become default modes of responding to His gifts, not merely occasional corporate events.
Integrating Faith and Work
For theocentric believers, all vocations become opportunities to honor God. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23). God-centered living eliminates any secular vs. sacred division. No matter someone’s job, they can work with excellence as worship unto the Lord and ambassador of His kingdom on earth.
Impacts on Personal Finances
Since God owns everything, theocentric disciples steward money and possessions as His trustees. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10). Honoring God with finances becomes motivation for prudent saving, spending, and generosity. Wise stewardship flows from acknowledging His ownership.
Marriage and Family
Marriage and family provide prime avenues for displaying theocentrism. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise).” (Ephesians 6:1-2). God-centered families encourage parental authority, sibling love, and nurturing faith in coming generations to pass on a legacy of devotion.
Impact on Relationships
Theocentrism shapes how believers interact with others. Scriptural commands to love others, pursue peace, treat everyone as made in God’s image, and esteem others over self all stem from godly motivations. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34). Love for God spurts out in love for people.
Growing in Godlikeness
Central to the believer’s life purpose is growing in godly character. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:3-4). The Spirit transforms theocentric disciples increasingly into Christ’s image. Our life journey is toward fuller reflection of God’s moral attributes.
Living as Priests to God and Ambassadors
The New Testament identifies believers as both priests, representing people to God, and ambassadors, representing God to the world. “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:5, 9). These dual roles shape theocentric identity and calling.
Impacts on Leisure
Even free time and hobbies gain higher meaning when they honor God. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Theocentrism provides freedom to enjoy recreation and God’s creation with thankfulness. Play and leisure refresh people for further service unto the Lord.
Sharing the Gospel
Theocentric living fuels passion to share Christ’s love with others. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!” (Isaiah 52:7). Out of devotion to God, believers yearn for others to know Him too. Evangelism flows naturally from recognizing Jesus as supremely worthy of people’s allegiance and affection.
Resisting Cultural Idolatry
A theocentric worldview equips believers to resist idolizing aspects of earthly culture, instead exposing false gods. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21). Fame, politics, wealth, and other influences compete with people’s devotion to God. Grounding identity in Him provides discernment to navigate culture wisely.
Rejoicing Always
Healthy theocentrism recognizes God’s sovereignty even amid suffering. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Joy remains possible in hardship by focusing on God’s presence and eternal purposes. His Spirit can spark rejoicing in unlikely places.
Humility and Teachability
Since God is supreme, theocentrism nurtures humility and eagerness to learn from Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Believers forsake stubborn independence to embrace His higher wisdom. Theocentrism fosters lifelong teachability.
Hope and Courage
Theocentric living feeds enduring hope and courage by grounding them in God’s promises. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread…for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Whatever circumstance arises, He remains eternal and trustworthy. Calm confidence springs from theocentric focus on Him.
Work Ethic as Worship
People honor God through working diligently at every task as if for Him. “Commit your work to the LORD and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3). Theocentrism inspires strong work ethic and banishes lazy entitlement. Labor itself glorifies God when done as worship with his help.
Decision-Making
Major life decisions become opportunities to seek and submit to God’s will within Scripture’s moral framework. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2). Theocentrism seeks alignment between personal life direction and God’s direction.
Identity Security
Basing identity on relationship with the eternal God roots people in unchanging divine love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). When God’s opinions weigh heaviest, human approval loses power to determine personal value. Identity rests on God’s fatherly love.
Purpose and Meaning
Theocentrism grounds life purpose in fulfilling the role for which people were created. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). Our lives gain ultimate meaning, value, and direction from creation design as image-bearers who exist for God’s glory.
In summary, maintaining a theocentric perspective fundamentally reorients all of life around God’s supreme worth and centrality. Every area of thought, work, identity, values, relationships, and vocation becomes shaped by His reality and informed by His truth. Seeking to put God at the center as life’s reference point realigns everything around His kingdom priorities.
