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.