We all have different things we say we value in life but what we really value by our actions may be much different from what we say. Let’s first define what value is. Value, as defined by Webster Dictionary, is “a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged” and “Relative worth, utility, or importance”. Here is the most powerful example of value – God valued you so much that He sent his son to die for you on the cross to save you for now and eternity. He gave up his very son because of the value you have in His eyes.
Value is really proven by what you are willing to give up in exchange for something else. Think about what you really value in your life. What is it in your life that is so important that you would give up precious time, energy, money or even favor for? What do you spend your efforts on and what are your motivators for life? Many “professional motivators” talk about determining your core values in order to get your purpose in life, which isn’t a bad idea, but let’s consider your values based on God’s perspective.
The internal values by which we operate are most important for determining our direction in life. Here are some Scriptures to consider for your mental and spiritual life. Write the most important ones to you down, and ask God to help you be strong in them. Some people use 3×5 cards so they can review them easily.
1) Love is the directive for the great commandment, and is God’s greatest focus for us to live by, but it’s important to know what love really is. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. (NIV)
2) When you accept Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit lives through you and allows you to bear fruit. Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
3) God wants us to grow spiritually with Him and He talks about our process of spiritual growth. 2 Peter 1: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NIV)
4) Another powerful chapter of the Bible where God reveals his promises and the key areas for you to focus on for your true value is Romans 8 – The whole chapter.
5) Finally, Proverbs 3 (The whole chapter) describes how to get everything you can want in life and what your focus and values need to be to get them.
*** Watch for my new book coming out called “Direction for living” to help you really know and follow Gods direction for you.
