What Are Your Values?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)
Growing up I was always taught that it would be my values that defined my character. That is, what truly mattered to me, what I held close to my heart would be those things that people remembered me for.
Back then I think I scoffed at that notion and often chose the quick and easy path. I did what I could to succeed with the easiest amount of effort. I know I cut corners and did what I needed to in order to be successful. Interestingly enough I grew up through the late seventies to nineties when the economy was booming and the norm was to do "whatever it took". As a society we wanted the best of everything and held those things loosely.
It has been said that we live in a world that knows
the cost of everything but the value of nothing.
Sadly we would almost rather grab that quick extra value meal as it cheap and easy then to sit down and take the time to prepare something healthy and nutritious. Looking back I think that would be almost the way to describe my values. Why take the time to make a difference? What we had today could be gone tomorrow or at least replaced by something bigger and better. Grabbing the quick and easy rather than getting something better…….
Interestingly enough as followers of Christ values are even more important to defining who we are. We are held to a higher standard and our role model is Christ himself. I recently read a great mediation on Colossians 3:2 where Paul encourages us to "Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth." Bill Crowder states that Paul's point is that only as we allow our values to be motivated and shaped by the eternal (not the temporal) will be effective as ambassadors of Christ in the world. As Christians we know that the things of this earth are only temporary and that our reward awaits us in Heaven. Our goal is to live our lives as Christ would. Our values should be the same as His.
I have been a baptized Christian for over 17 years and I am still growing in my maturity. However I know the past three years has truly been a value changing time in my life. Having gone to Honduras to meet my sponsored child totally realigned my focus to God's will. Having seen poverty first hand and having seen the difference that can be made I know what God wants me to hold close to my heart.
So many times it mentions in the Bible to care for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40). That has become my focus and desire. There used to be so many weekends that I would spend on "me" type activities. Now I would much rather be staffing a booth or a table somewhere talking to people about Compassion. In fact if too much time goes by I start really getting antsy if I have not done anything ministry wise. God has changed my heart and values. My circle of friends has changed and now I know I am defined by being "the Compassion guy."
What about you? What do you hold close to your heart? I encourage you to really look at your values and what you think is important. It can be anything- your family, your children, even your ministry. The important thing is to check and make sure it is in line with God's teachings. That is the Value that we should use as our measuring stick. That is truly what matters and makes a difference in the end.
Chuck is a Christian husband and father who has served in part-time ministry for 17 years, and is a deacon at his church. He has been a Compassion International Advocate/Area Coordinator for several years, finding families to sponsor Compassion children throughout the world. His passion is letting others know how important it is to release children from poverty. Be sure to check out his blog, Sharing Compassion.
Showing Compassion, Values in Showing Compassion
Reader Comments (8)
I am continually growing (I still feel immature after 15 years of being a Christian)... and though I have focused on ministry heavily in the past... at the moment I'd have to say my family is at the top of the list.
This gave me some thoughts to ponder... thank you, Chuck.
I'm the same way, Bridget. And I think having family come first is exactly what God wants. I've seen a lot of ministry kids struggling because their parents are so focused on their ministries outside the home, that they feel like they are not a priority. There has to be a balance. That's for sure.
What a great and important thing you're doing, Chuck! My wife and I were foster parents for years and we adopted two of those children. We're planning on going back, but it's not an easy road. Even so, caring for the least of these carries great and lasting rewards even if there is hardship involved. It gives you a different grasp on the heart of the Father.
Thanks for a great post.
I have recently read a book that dealt with a lot of these issues. He basically takes what Jesus says literally, "a man cannot serve two masters." The idea is that we are created to worship so we are either worshiping God or filling that worship void with something else. We can setup lots of very good things in God's place and twist them into something very destructive.
I love my family, but if I elevate them into God's place it can cause that relationship to become a weight around my neck. Suddenly they can't please me like I want because the truth is I have elevated myself into God place as a father and husband while believing I have been focusing on my family. It becomes evident in the words I begin speaking to myself and eventually my family. "I work so hard to support you and I spend hours each weekend when I'm tired to take you around town, to games, and other things that make you happy and you can't even keep your room clean when company is coming over?"
This is why it is so important to keep God and His things at the center of our heart.
"The important thing is to check and make sure it is in line with God's teachings. That is the Value that we should use as our measuring stick. That is truly what matters and makes a difference in the end." Excellent statement! My goal is to make sure that my values line up with God's values which is easier said than done! :)
What a great post, Chuck. I think being reminded of the important things is a daily thing that we all need to do. I'll be thinking about this post for a long while.
It's always a challenge and can be an inspiration to reevaluate my values. Thank you for the reminder.
Also, I enjoyed that quote: "it has been said that we live in a world that knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing." That's also the definition of a cynic.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Thanks for all the comments. I think the most important thing I want to say/echo is that in all we do, say, think, value etc it should be in line with God's teachings.