“Strive for integrity – that means knowing your values in life and behaving in a way that is consistent with these values.” Unknown
To become effective in your life’s journey you need to identify and develop clear and concise core values. Your core values are central to defining who you are, what you do and where you are going. Once defined, they should guide you in every aspect of your life.
When you make a conscious decision to follow your core values, you will not let anyone or anything persuade you to live against them. It is these core values that determine what is important to you as an individual.
The surprising thing is that if you ask most people what their core values are, many could not give you a solid answer. Some would give you a list of values, but they would not be able to prioritize them. They will give you a list that sounds spiritual, but they don’t come close to living them.
In order to live the vision that God has designed for you effectively, you must develop a set of prioritized core values that guide your daily life. Your core values should be:
- Clearly Stated – You should have a set of clearly written and prioritized core values that guides your daily life.
- Championing Your Purpose – Your core values should be in direct agreement with your God-given purpose.
- Committed to Daily – You should make a solid commitment to live your values daily no matter what is currently happening in your life.
- Consistently Followed – You are responsible for consistently living your core values.
- Constantly Evaluated – You should constantly evaluate your values to make sure you don’t need to reprioritize them, make any changes or adjustments.
You may ask, “How do I determine my core values?” First, you need to define what core values are. Core values are deeply-held beliefs that define what is right and fundamentally important to each of us. They provide guidelines for your daily choices and actions.
Second, to determine your values, start with what God’s Word says we should value. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5: 22-23).
Third, to determine your core values, you need to pay attention to your life’s experiences, prayer responses, family up-bringing and personal preferences.
Once you establish your core values and start living them watch your life begin to turn in a different direction. Do not get frustrated and quit if it seems difficult, but keep praying, believing and living through the process.
“Strive for integrity – that means knowing your values in life and behaving in a way that is consistent with these values.” Unknown
Question: What are your non-negotiable core values that you live by? Leave your comment below.
Bernard Haynes says
I think you are right. It is a very important message to get out. I believe when we make our relationship with Christ our #1 value then everything else will fall into place. We will prioritize things the way He desires. I believe the major problem in society is weak values or improper prioritized values.
Dan Black says
This is a great post. I just posted about having a strong leadership core and one of those core areas was values. Here is the post, http://danblackonleadership.info/2012/04/having-a-strong-leadership-core/
The values we have should be God directed and not self imposed. It’s important to value the things God values. Great post.
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks for the comment Dan. I read your post on strong leadership core and it was right on point. I left a comment.
Dan Black says
Your welcome. I always enjoy reading your blog. Keep writing great content.
Dave Arnold says
Good post Bernard! I think evaluation is so important.
floyd says
I strive to make my core values the same ones that the Bible calls us to. Every day in business their is a choice to do the right thing… which is hardly ever the easiest… Love your passion, brother. I’ve missed it.