Finding Our Way With Personal Values

Think about standing at the front of your drive way. The target is the front door. Now cover your eyes and start walking. We're assuming there are no stairs, large trees, or other big obstacles, we're just walking... heading for our door. We are walking straight, staying on course. We have seen the goal and we are purposing to walk a straight path. OK, done? Now take off your blindfold. How close are you to the door? Are you close?...right there?...5 feet off? worse?...are you still even in your own yard?

                                                 

                                          

Now let's think of this illustration when it comes to our own life and belief system. When we are young it takes a while to form our belief system. Being a "little off" isn't that bad. Hopefully we've grown up in a Bible believing church and home, that makes it a little easier. Some of us have been blessed with this, others of us have not. But still, we sometimes can get off track and not even know that we are. Focusing on Jesus and having a good grasp of the Word of God are essential in our having a correct value and personal belief system. We've all heard the saying about climbing the ladder of success, to only get to the top and find we're against the wrong building!

The older and more mature we get it is critical that we are not "walking blind", in our lives. We need to know the Truth of God's Word and let that be a beacon for us to walk in. The light of God's Word, will keep us on track and on course in life. We don't want to let misinformation and unbelief sidetrack us or cause us to miss what God has for us.

We each have our own set of values. Being a Christian, our love of God and our relationship with Him should be above everything else. Sadly many Christians are not there. We may think that we are, but a lot of the time, children, a spouse, personal goals etc. can take over the top spot. It's really easy to let all those things crowd out our holding God above it all.

Exodus 20:3-4

3. "You shall have no other gods before Me.
4. "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

The 10 Commandments are proof of the importance of putting God first. First off, there are no other "gods"; this word is referring to anything or anyone of earthly importance that takes first place in our lives. We're not talking about Hindu, Islam or any other religion or ideology. There is no other God than "Jehovah".

The second commandment is not just referring to "idols" in the form of little metal or wooden statues. This means there should be nothing that stands between you and Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Anything is an "idol" that takes first place in our lives besides God.

Example, I've seen people so into sports that it became an idol. How about shopping? Does the concept make you lose control and put yourself in a place of financial jeopardy? Any addiction, from shopping, drinking, smoking, lust, drugs, to "keeping up with the Joneses" can become an "idol". Pretty scary thought, huh? 

How about our kids. Does seeing them win, or get recognition take precedence over what is godly and right? What about trying to please our spouse or even friends? Do we overstep proper personal boundaries to get attention or importance in their eyes? I'm bringing this up, because if anything or anyone, including ourselves is numero uno in our lives, our whole belief system and set of values will be skewed.

Below is a "Personal Worth Appraisal". Please take a look at it. Make a copy or write it down. Now, be honest in your answers. I'm going to ask you to really read, think and pray about this. We'll have a few days. Take the personal challenge in this. Some of you took me up on the "Faith Challenge" I extended a week or so ago. So let's do the same with this. Don't just use the number system. Write down your thoughts on the individual topics. Why and what are the reasons and circumstances that you are unhappy, dissatisfied, feeling unsuccessful, etc. Let it get inside your head and heart.

I think if you're honest you'll be surprised at how you really feel and what God will show you if you take this little quiz. I'll give you my honest answers and discuss them on the next post.

Success, significance, fulfillment, satisfaction, happiness,

fun, security, peace.

How do all these areas in our personal life line up with God's Word,

and His perfect will for our lives?

Remember, we're being really honest.

 You don't have to share if you don't want, so keep it real!

If you'd like to leave a comment on this idea,

 we'd all love to hear it.

Next time, you will be hearing all my personal stuff concerning this.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(personal worth appraisal taken from

Victory Over the Darkness)