True Values

What are your values? The question may seem simple, however, often what many people (even companies and organizations) list as values are actually “aspired” values. They are either what the person desires to be or would like to think of as possessing. The truth is though, that our actual values are what we are and not what we desire to be. If I say I value family but never spend quality time with them then I’m lying. Likewise, if I say that I value honesty, yet I find myself constantly telling little white lies, then I do not value honesty.

We would do well to take the time to evaluate our day to day activities and take note of our actions. Where do our finances go? What do our spending habits say about us? What does our use of time say about us? If people were to be truly honest (see above) with themselves, some may find that they actually value entertainment, money or status more than the (aspired) values they claim to possess.

Now, maybe you’ve been a professing Christian for several years now, or like me you made a profession as a child (read my testimony here). In other words, what you are saying is that you value Jesus Christ. After all, that is what it means to be a Christian. It is not a profession that makes a believer a believer.

Once somebody has been truly convinced of who Jesus Christ is (the Son of God) then that changes everything (by the power of God). Really getting it; that He is Lord and Savior will make Him become your Treasure. How can it not? Imagine suddenly realizing that this world is not what you thought it was (remember the Matrix). How can that not change an individual? Besides this, when somebody truly believes, it is a working of God. It’s basically a miracle. It’s what the Bible calls becoming a new creation or being born again. God changes the heart. Though not perfect, the desires of the individual have been changed and he or she now has their heart set toward God.

So now it’s time for self evaluation. Do you value Jesus Christ? Do you read His Word seeking to know Him and His will? Do you spend quality time with His in prayer and worship? Do you desire to obey His commandments? Are you actively involved in His church? If you’re honest with yourself, you just might find that you value the things of this world more than the Savior. Truth be known, some may even find that they have never really been born again and are destined for eternal judgment because their sin still stand in the way of them and God.

However, if that’s you and you’ll be honest with yourself there still is good news. Turn in repentance and you will be saved. He has been waiting for this moment your whole life. God has not forsaken you.

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

(Matthew 13:44-46)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Matthew 6:19-21)

- Scott Hescht