Do You Know Your Values?
“Taking care of yourself should be a priority. Remember to prioritize your relationship with God, your spouse, and your children above all else. Everything else should follow in alignment with these core values.“
As I approach my 23rd wedding anniversary, I reflect on some crucial matters I want to share. I hope you are safe and well, especially considering the recent wildfires and the resulting smoke.
Life is full of unexpected events like these, and it’s crucial to be prepared and take necessary precautions. However, it’s equally important not to let fear dictate our lives. Let us live with preparation and good stewardship but not in constant fear.
In these challenging times, let us remember to pray for those affected by the wildfires in Canada and other parts of the nation. Our respiratory health is essential, and we must take good care of ourselves. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should be good stewards of the days we are given by God.
Taking care of yourself should be a priority. Remember to prioritize your relationship with God, your spouse, and your children above all else. Everything else should follow in alignment with these core values.
In our interactions with the world, we often witness the fear of losing customers as we stand up for our own values, or the inconsistency between what some companies support and what they condemn. It is crucial to understand our values and establish non-negotiables. Only then can we make informed decisions about our support and purchasing decisions.
For example, attending church on Sundays and tithing are non-negotiables for me. And that’s easy. But, I need to know what other decisions I am making that may go against my values. When shopping, consider supporting local businesses and those within your church community. However, striking a balance and avoiding extreme behaviors is also essential (if someone is charging exhorbitantly or does sloppy work, you may not choose them just because you know them). Assess your priorities, starting with God, and take care of them first.
And on the flip side, as a business person, it is important to charge fairly and provide value to your customers. By doing that, you earn the support of your church community.
It is crucial to be mindful of where we spend our money and not default to large corporations like Target for convenience without considering our values.
Even businesses with Christian foundations, like Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby, could drift away from their original intent if they’re not careful. The same has happened with organizations like the YMCA. It is up to us to be discerning and choose wisely.
In your personal life and business endeavors, standing firm on your values and not compromising what you hold dear is crucial. For instance, if certain movies on Netflix or the content on Disney Plus goes against your values, it may be necessary to discontinue your support.
As we journey through life and in making decisions like these, we will encounter tests that push us to grow and level up. These tests include tests of service, hiddenness, discouragement, consistency, blessings, jealousy, and faith. Embrace these tests as opportunities for personal growth and celebrate God’s goodness in the midst of them.
To summarize, when making decisions, be mindful of aligning your choices with your values. Recognize the world’s influences and be intentional about where you invest your time and money. This will become increasingly important, especially during presidential elections. Remember not to place your trust solely in people but put your faith in God. People are fallible, and everyone has flaws. And when you go through tests, know that it’s part of leveling up.
Let us continue to hold fast to our values and non-negotiables, recognizing the trials we face and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness.
Take care, and may you experience God’s blessings abundantly.