What does it mean to be theocentric?

Answer

To be theocentric means to live in a way that places God at the center of life or makes Him the primary focus of life. Being theocentric is to be “God-centered.” A theocentric life is lived with the understanding that all things flow “from Him, and through Him, and to Him” «For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.», (Romans 11:36). In contrast, an anthropocentric life places man at the center. Existentialism places existence at the center—simply living is considered meaningful enough—but theocentrism highlights God as the meaning and ultimate motivation for our actions; God provides us with our identity and purpose. As the Westminster Confession states, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This represents a theocentric perspective.

It is reasonable to believe that finite, limited beings can experience the greatest satisfaction when focused on the infinite, unlimited God. In times of weakness, we find strength «And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. », (2 Corinthians 12:9); in times of spiritual emptiness, we find fulfillment « Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. », (Matthew 5:6). And the source never runs dry because God Himself is eternal. Placing God at the center of our lives—living theocentrically—naturally imparts eternal significance to a finite human existence. Theocentrism offers what existentialism and anthropocentrism lack: a focus that transcends the visible life around us.Living a life with God at the center encourages virtues like mercy, peace, humility, selflessness, and environmental stewardship. However, if one believes that this earthly life is all there is, the focus shifts to acquiring and experiencing as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, prioritizing instant gratification often leads to suffering in the form of addiction, unintended pregnancies, fractured relationships, and other forms of remorse. Pursuing human-centered goals also presents challenges—when human progress is deemed the ultimate good, ambitious leaders may rationalize almost any action to advance humanity’s development, including, paradoxically, acts like genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Undoubtedly, a theocentric life is advocated in Scripture. God, the Author of life, deserves to be the central figure in our existence. God assures us that true happiness is attained by keeping Him at the core. A person who takes pleasure in God’s teachings and reflects on them is blessed “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” «And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. », (Psalm 1:3). Those who have faith in Christ will have “rivers of living water” flowing from their hearts «He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. », (John 7:38). Like branches on a vine heavy with grapes, those who “abide” in God bear abundant fruit «I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. », (John 15:5). In God’s presence, there is “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore.”forevermore” «Thou wilt show me the path of life: In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.», (Psalm 16:11). When we walk by God’s Spirit, being led by Him, we naturally exhibit the fruit of His Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). A believer living a theocentric life is portrayed as cleansed from all that is dishonorable, like a beautiful silver vessel, useful to the master of a great house «If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. », (2 Timothy 2:21). By any measure, a theocentric life is a good existence.