What is most important to you in your life?  Essentially, what is at the CORE of who you are and what you represent?  What I mean is, what #values are so important to you that you find yourself practicing them intuitively, without being told.  There are a set of values operating in my life under the surface, and then there are those that I would call my ‘ideal values.’  These have been shaped as seeds and developed at the core of who I am and have led to powerful practices.  It takes time, but if you will intentionally adopt values that are routinely practiced, they have the power to give your life tremendous meaning and impact.

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5

Isn’t it time for you to draw out those deep values you know you want at the core of your life? What are some values in my life that are developing out of seeds intentionally planted?  These 6 below happen to also be our 217church adopted values.  They are a powerful seeds that are bearing fruit in my home and in our church and community.

6 Values That Have Changed My Life…

-Intentional Multiplication – Who I am will be multiplied in my children and those around me.  My heart is to intentionally make disciples.

2 Timothy 2:2 “…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

-Relentless Serving – Starting in my home, I need to model what it looks like to serve.  This extends to every behavior in my life including taking care of orphans and those who are struggling.

Mark 10:43-44 “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”

-Authentic Relationships – I can’t be close with everyone, but I want to model love and care for those around me. My faith will be caught more than it will be taught.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

-The Next Generation – If I don’t pass the lessons I am learning on to the next generation, I am wasting my influence.  If I haven’t passed it on I haven’t passed the test.  I need to invest my time and money in the next generation.

Psalm 78:6-7 “that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

Dynamic Teaching – I need to be a learner that is teaching what is powerful and life transformational.  If it has transformed me it should transform others.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Passionate Worship – My life is to be spent in every aspect as a worship to God.  If it doesn’t worship God I shouldn’t do it.

John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”

 What values are you living by?  What are the core practices that are driving your purpose?  What are some values you want to intentionally plan to live?

Josh

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here.