Values
Values are the principles and directives by which we order our behavior. They are what we believe to be important and provide the foundation and substance of one’s character. Without a well-established value system, personal and corporate goals or vision become corrupted. Values define what a person desires to become, whereas vision points to what he wants to achieve.
In writing to the Ephesian Church, Paul warned against the “course of the world.” (Eph. 2:2) The Greek word he used for world here is: “kosmos”. This word refers to the moral arrangement of the inhabitants of the earth, not to the earth itself. We can say it refers to the values of any given society. The values taught in the Bible are often in conflict with the worldly values accepted by one’s generation. Worldly values of Western civilization include: Wealth, power, status, personal ambition, pleasure, revenge, etc. Many times these values result in conflicts, division, jealousies and pride, which are the desire and work of the devil. In this way worldly values become an enemy in themselves.
The values of the Kingdom of God are at war with the values of this world. Where there is a lust for power, the Lord responds with submission and respect for all. Forgiveness replaces revenge. Self-control wins over the pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence. Humility trumps pride and status. Generosity destroys greed and the entrapments of wealth. The servant is seen to be the greatest in the Kingdom of God and one’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Each person has value in himself, not just for his utility or function.
We can establish from the Bible a number of fundamental values, by which we can order our life. Some of these are: Honesty, humility, generosity, respect, moral integrity, worship of one God, sacrifice, family, etc. All these values are taught in the Bible and exemplified by Godly men and women throughout the ages. Jesus simplified all these to just one core value. He said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:28-30)
Love is the essence of God Himself. It is who He is. Because God lives in us we have His love. We can live in the world, but not live according to its values. By living according the law of Love, we will have a positive effect on all those around us. There will always be the temptation to conform to the world’s ways, but the Love of God is greater. When caught in a temptation or compromising situation, ask yourself this question: “What would Jesus do?” Jesus is the incarnation of Love. We are transformed into His image through the Love of God.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Mark 12:28-30; Eph. 2:1-3; I John 3:16; 4:4, 7-8; Romans 8:37-39