VALUES INTERLOCK

October 3, 2018. Values set up the ground rules and boundaries of acceptable and desirable behavior. Values show how people act in their daily life. They help set our priorities and decide where we spend our time, with whom, doing what. Every person has values. The key is not that we have values, but what values we have.

Values lead people to do what they do, and what they do brings them to the results. Behavior reveals values.  “What’s going on the inside,” Earl Nightingale pointed out, “shows on the outside.”

Our actions are significant to God and hold high potential for reward. Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds, in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Book of Hebrews says, “For God, is not unjust to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10).

Most behavior is consistent with the core or governing values. For example, the majority of overweight people know the actions to take to lose excess weight and get themselves into “shape.” Eating right and regularly taking part in a good exercise program are the main activities that help shed extra pounds, firm up muscles, and improve the cardiovascular system.

People that value their health will eat properly and engage in a proper exercise program. People that only want to have good health, but don’t appreciate good health will overeat and forego athletic-type activities.

Someone may say, “I don’t have time to exercise, or study my Bible, or pray, or witness, or go back to school.” But that is not true. What they are saying is that they value other activities more than any of these activities. You spend your time doing what you value. Therefore, it is vital to have the right values.

THREE WAYS VALUES ARE REVEALED

  1. Thoughts Reveal Values. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Prov. 23:7).
  2. Words Reveal Values. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14).
  3. Actions Reveal Values. “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!” (Psalm 119:5).