DEFINITION: Values are principles or standards that affect one’s conduct and character. For the Christian, these values should be based upon God’s Word. The most important Christian value for a believer is to value God and His Word more than anything, anybody, or any idea. Christian values are based on spiritual things versus material things and on the principles of the Kingdom of God rather than those of the world.
FACTS ABOUT VALUES:
There are many sets of values in the world. Societies and people see the world through their own sets of values, many of which are relative to culture and environment.
Values are a major source of conflict in the world. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East between Jews, Palestinians, Muslims, and Christians are examples. Value systems are the root causes of conflicts, chaos, confusion, and wars.
People who don’t believe in the true God often end up establishing their own values. Their motives might be good and some of their values might be positive, but they are not rooted in the truths of the Word of God. Thus, they are works of self-righteousness that are like filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6).
Values are not relative for a true believer. Christian values are standards of conduct established in God’s Word, behaviors and attitudes that should characterize a true believer in Jesus Christ. For the believer, values are not established by the culture or country in which they live or by popular opinion. The word “Christian” means one who is following the teachings of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:21). His values become your values.
It is your responsibility to learn Christian values. As a believer, you should not be wondering what the Christian standard of conduct is, rather you should be learning it from the source: The Bible.
It is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children biblical values. Parents are commanded to teach their children continuously: In the house, on the way, when they rise up, and when they go to bed (Deuteronomy 11:19).
DEALING WITH VALUES:
Seek forgiveness. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so. If you have been living a worldly lifestyle due to your value system or that imposed by your culture, ask God to forgive you.
Learn Christian values by immersing yourself in God’s Word. The Word is the definitive source for establishing Christian values in your life.
Ask God to help you incorporate these values into your conduct and character.
Pass on Christian values to your children, family, and friends. Always remember, however, that your conduct speaks louder than your words.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT VALUES:
The book of Proverbs is filled with precise statements regarding values. Here are some other key verses Christian regarding values:
Serve God: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
Love God and others: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Treat others as you want to be treated: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Do not judge others: Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1-5)
Forgive others: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)
Be generous: …remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Be content: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have… (Hebrews 13:5)
Live what you learn in the Word: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Study also:
The Ten Commandments: Exodus 20.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23.
