We all have them. We all use them every day. Whether we realize it or not, they guide us each and every day in the decisions we make, the actions we take, the activities we participate in, and the attitudes and beliefs we hold. Generally speaking, we are all guided by our values.
The word “Values” is defined as, “The moral principles and beliefs or accepted standards of a person or social group” (Collins online dictionary). Values are also defined as that which we give high regard to. In other words, values are those beliefs, principles, or standards that we use to guide our life and that help us make decisions and what we consider important.
We gain our values through a number of different means. Sometimes our values are put in place through the family dynamics that we grew up in. Sometimes our values are set through experiences that we have, either positive or negative. Sometimes values are learned or gained through a sense of learning, philosophy, or religious influence. Values can be gained through the various organizations that we associate with. Values can even come from a place deep within us that we may not be sure where they come from. And, I’m sure there are other ways that we gain the values that we hold to in life. But the reality is, values are a part of each of our lives.
The truth is values are also a part of the organizations and even the societies that we participate in. Even as Christians, as followers of Jesus there are values that guide our lives, values that Jesus expressed, taught, and lived that are to characterize our lives too. A good exercise in each of our lives, especially during the season of Lent, which starts in just a few weeks, is to make a list of the values that we live and express in our life and faith and then ask the question, are these values that Jesus lived and taught? Once you have your list, connect with a spiritual director, pastor, or trusted Christian friend that will be honest with you, and go over your list of values that guide your life and compare them with the values of Jesus’ life.
Values are so important to be aware of because they are like the “operating system” in our computers or phones, etc., that run quietly in the background telling our devices what to do. It is important that organizations, even churches, be clear on the values that guide them. This is why our church is holding a “Values Clarification Workshop” tomorrow, (Saturday, February 20 from 8:30am – 12:30pm). The purpose of this workshop is to help our church clarify our values. Knowing these values has the potential to effect decisions we make and the ministries that we offer. After all, churches that have misaligned values and ministries struggle and wonder why there is tension within their faith community.
If you are a part of our church family, I invite you to join us on Saturday morning here at the church (in the chapel) for our Values Clarification Workshop. You are asked to fill out an information sheet before you come. There is also a video of Rev. Rebecca Trefz explaining the importance and process of this workshop, that you are asked to watch before completing the worksheet. If you can’t attend, we would still like to hear your voice as a part of the process. There is a link below for the video, as well as for the on-line version of the values worksheet. You can also go to our church website to find these links. Click on the “Events and Calendar” link on the menu tab at the top right corner of the webpage – www.downtownfirstumc.com.
Please be praying about this event. Clarifying our values will help guide us in the future as our leaders make ministry decisions for the future of Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church. Thank You!!
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith
Click here to watch the pre-work video.
Click here to take the survey if you are not able to make it.