The Core Values You Need To Live By

Integrity First

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Be someone that stands firm on their convictions and doesn’t compromise on them. As Christians, we live in the world to shine our light and tell people about the good news of Jesus but we must live set-apart. A Christian and the value of integrity must coexist. I’m not sure if it’s because people often times, can be fooled into thinking we are something that we are not. But, we can’t fool God. God has many attributes and maybe that will be a feature post but for now God is omniscient which means He is all-knowing.

Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Service Before Self

Put what God calls us to do before our own wants and desires. As Christians, we are called to serve Him before ourselves. This core value of service before self applies to every area of our life. When you read something in God’s Word that doesn’t align with your life, corrections should be made to ensure that it does.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Now, this principle also encompasses the importance of others and their needs before our own. Let’s be honest, embracing this core value may occasionally cause us discomfort. However, with consistent practice, it leads to personal development. It doesn’t imply that we should agree to everything that comes our way to avoid burnout, but rather, it suggests that certain challenging situations may arise that push us beyond our comfort zone. These experiences, though initially difficult, ultimately yield growth.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Excellence In All We Do

Excellence is not perfection, rather it is simply striving to give our utmost effort in every thing that we do. This implies delivering our best in every facet of our day-to-day activities, from managing our homes and families, continuing to our professional careers, and to culminating our devotion to God.

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Why Core Values Matter

The definition of core values is:

The fundamental belief and the highest priority that drives your actions and behaviors.

As Christians, we distinguish ourselves from the world through how we live. These values are not arbitrary; they are derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in the Bible. Examining what makes Christians “different” or “set apart” helps us discern the core values that guide us towards a life that is accountable and reflects the nature of Jesus.

Other Values to Consider

There are many core values that can complement the Christian faith. Here is a list to contemplate:

• Love: Unconditional love for God and others.
• Joy: Contentment and happiness in faith.
• Peace: Inner and outer tranquility and harmony.
• Forbearance: Patience and tolerance in difficult situations.
• Kindness: Acts of goodwill and compassion towards others.
• Goodness: Being virtuous and moral.
• Faithfulness: Trust and loyalty to God.
• Gentleness: Meekness and humility.
• Self-Control: Discipline and restraint in speech and action.
• Humility: Recognizing one’s limitations and valuing others above oneself.
• Forgiveness: Letting go of anger and extending grace to others.
• Compassion: Empathy and concern for others’ suffering.
• Honesty: Speaking the truth and acting with transparency.
• Trustworthiness: Being reliable and dependable.
• Responsibility: Taking accountability for one’s actions.
• Generosity: Giving freely and generously to others.
• Perseverance: Continuing to strive and persist despite obstacles.
• Gratitude: Appreciation for blessings received.
• Discipline: Training oneself to control one’s desires and habits.
• Endurance: Tolerating hardships without giving up.
• Patience: Waiting calmly for what one hopes will happen.
• Contentment: Accepting what one has and being thankful for it.
• Respect: Treating others with dignity and consideration.
• Mercy: Showing compassion and forgiveness to those in need.