Roadmap for Life – Day 6
What are my vision and values?
If we want to be like Christ, as he urges us to be, our values will be reflected in the way we live. Ultimately the values we believe in are not a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s striving to be like Christ in all we do.
Bible text(s)
Luke 6
The Two House Builders
John 15
Romans 12
John 14
Luke 16
– Christ as my prototype
Whatever you believe in and whomever you follow, will shape your beliefs, values and behaviour. As believers, our values are tied to obedience to Christ. Be moulded in the image of Christ – not your peers, parents, co-workers or the culture you live in.
– The truth matters
If Christ is Truth, then it follows that lying and dishonesty separate you from Christ. Being honest is about following in Jesus’ footsteps, for He cannot lie. Learning how to be more honest will also help you keep a clear conscience.
– Christian values in less than a byte
The clearer you can be about what you believe, the easier it is to bring your priorities in line with your values. Paul sums up a Christian lifestyle based on Christ’s teachings as follows:
• Love must be completely sincere.
• Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.
• Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and sisters, and be eager to show respect for one another.
• Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.
• Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
• Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.
• Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.
• Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
• Have the same concern for everyone.
• Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.
• Do not think of yourselves as wise.
• If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.
• Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.
– What about the Ten Commandments?
The first four commandments guide us on how to love God, and the last six guide us on how to love others.
Jesus addresses several of the commandments and highlights their application in his preaching. He not only condemns murder, he calls his followers to recognise that unresolved anger also destroys others. He not only forbids adultery, but calls his followers to be pure in mind and heart.
