Core Values

Core Values

I recently developed a set of CORE VALUES at Bozoo Christian Church where I now preach. I am currently going through a series with the same title and preaching on each core value.  The core values come from Acts 2:42-47 (when the New Testament church was established).  Rick Warren through his Purpose Driven Church book and this scripture says a church should have these 5 core values to make up a healthy church with purpose (ministry, mission, worship, fellowship, & discipleship).

I took the word "BOZOO" to come up with 5 statements to share our core values(yes, I know I'm creative, haha).  Core Values defined are "basic principles that guide us".  I'm sharing these with  my church,but it got me thinking about me as an individual what are my core values?  What about you? What principles,morals,or beliefs guide you?  

Even though we may not have a written down list of Core Values, we all have them, whether we know them or not. The problem is not all our values are healthy, good for us, or realistic.  Think about it, some people have no values or morals. They lie, they cheat, steal, or manipulate.  They are sneaky, arrogant, selfish, or prideful.  They are motivated by lust, greed, power, or control.  These basic principles guide them.  It's what motivates them, and even defines them and who they are and how they treat people and what they live for.

What about me? What about you?  Are our values healthy? Do we have a set of principles we live by that are hurting us? Hurting others? Destroying us?  Leaving a trail of destruction everywhere we go? If we live out life without purpose, meaning, or value, then we are going to naturally gravitate toward things,people, places, and habits that are not good for us or healthy for us.

That is why it's VITAL that you and me have some standards in our lives. Some values and principles that guide us. Our decision making, our choices, who we react to problems, and respond to issues. How we treat people and how we work, play, and live.

There is not a set list, because there may be some things that are important to me, that aren't important to you, or vice versa, but there are basic principles I think we all need.   Honesty. Integrity.  Faith. Unconditional Love.  Grace & forgivness.  I think we need first and formost to have faith in God and because of that, our relationship with God will help us mold and shape our values and principles we live by.

We will learn to be honest and practice honesty. We will know the difference between right and wrong and strive to always live and do right. I think we will know the difference and consequences of truth and lies and strive to be honest at all times no matter what we think the outcome.   We will work toward having morals that we won't compromise with greed, selfish behavior, or lust.  We will strive to live a pure and not taint our lives with drugs, abusing of alcohol, or negative things such bad sexual issues, vulgar language, or treating people like they are less than you.  We will value honesty, truth, acceptance, standards, morals, and love.

What words define you?  What words describe your personal core values.  Truth is, what we think we are. We we do we become, and how we live everyday determines our eternal destiny. What do people think of you?  Do they think you are nice or a pervert? Do they think you are compassionate or heartless? Do they know you are liar or sincere?  Do people think you are easy or know you to be a stand up person. This isn' worrying about what others think about you, it's not about perception. It's about reality.  What type of values do you have and display in your life everyday?  If you have bad values, you can change them. You can develop better, healthier, spiritual, and meaningful core values to guide your faith, relationships,and life.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17(NIV)

"Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;" I Peter 1:13-15