What do you value, really?

I think some things that I could honestly say I truly value would be my Faith in Christ (now more so then ever), my relationships with my friends and family, and the gifts God has given me (as far as talents and opportunities). I know it sounds really cheesey, but I think that that’s something that most people are going to say they value. The hard part about my value in these things though, is that it’s still easy to let your self and others down because of the times that you find yourself breaking these values. But I also think that the pain that comes with breaching your values also reveals just how much you value those things.

As for Values in a church community, I guess I’d have to say a Biblical Based View of God would come first. If this isn’t present, then any other values that follow are meaningless. I say this because A believe that church values should be built upon the principles of Jesus. Jesus tells us that the Greatest commandment is to, “Love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength.” Secondly he reminds us to love others as our selves. These two I honeslty believe must be the core foundation for a church community, because all grace, mercy, love, and peace stem from these two things.

I am still so thrilled with what happened at our church on community impact day last Sunday. To watch everyone work together (even in the rain) - doing good - and showing love to people like Jesus did. Thrilling to me. Best part.. me getting to bless Maggie - this 69 year old sweet lady was buried in her house - junk everywhere that her husband stock piled for years before he died about a year ago. Our crew worked incredibly hard… pulling out TWO 40-yard dumpsters worth of stuff. The value was seeing the look on Maggie’s face and hearing her say, thank you… now I have hope for life again.

by the presence and power of God

First time forum poster here….kinda late to the party I guess….

As for values….

I am on the same page as Chris. I think that Faith, Family, and friends are what value to me most. Spending time with these things is very fulfilling to my soul. I also recognize that “vibe” during Community Impact Day where we feel so much more connected (to one another and to those outside of our church). You can get an idea of the “holy spirit” binding so many people together in one cause.

I admit to letting many things in this world distract me from these things that I value. I struggle all the time with “value-ing” other things and letting sin creep into my life. However, being able to meet and worship with fellow believers is what brings me back into focus. The Journey provides a place for encouragement and support…in a continously changing format. A community of believers striving to be more chirst-like and to love others is what church WAS and is SUPPOSED to be! That has UNLIMITED value….

-Devon-

PRICELESS to me.

relationship w/God
community
my wife
friends
guitar hero
authentic people
creativity

as a church, i think we should value the same things Jesus does. ultimatley, he values his people. we should do the same. yes, yes, yes once more.

I truly value more and more with each passing day, my parents. They have been and still are amazing models. They taught me the value of “time” with others, devotions as a family, strong work ethics. Above all, especially in the past couple years their strong holding on to their faith in God’s plans. When we were told my dad had Alzheimers, we all cried. My parents shared these words with us “This isn’t the plan we had for our lives. But this is part of God’s plan. We will find strength through our faith in Him.” Through hardships, my parent’s faith has always been a strong example to me.

I also value my friendships….my deep friendships…these are the people I trust with my life and my life stories—happy or sad. They are the few people I allow total access into my life. There aren’t too many people that I trust, respect and value like them.

All of these relationships would not be possible without my faith. Faith that God is with me each day and I am not alone. I can’t imagine my life without my faith and my relationships with family and friends. It would seem so empty.

Money and Trash (that’s not what I’m into…. hopefully).

I heard someone say that if you took a magnifying glass and looked at what you spend your money on then you’d know what you treasure. If that’s true, then mine would look like a mix of clothes, technology, music, movies, jaunts to this town or that city, and food/coffee dates with friends. If the gas prices keep going up then maybe it would look like I treasure 89 octane (So I guess the idea breaks down at some point).

I also remember learning that when archeologists want to learn about a culture, they often spend time sifting through ancient trash dumps. I guess all sorts of stuff shows up that gives them a clue into that particular culture’s values. I wonder if someone dug through my trash if their discoveries would tell them anything about me… What’s in YOUR trash : )

There was this time….
I house sat and had to put out the trash. There was some really odd stuff in there. (No, I didn’t get all in there with my hands and stuff - just a few articles caught my eye.) What I saw wasn’t too extreme - like chain cuffs or action figures - just things I wouldn’t have thought to find in this person’s trash.

I value open, honest, caring, fun loving people who seek to do what’s right.

I value communities that work to support and help each other and those who are less fortunate.

I value that God chose me to have a relationship with Him. And from that, I have a deeper appreciation, understanding, patience and compassion for other people and their situations.

YBFAM

To put it simply, I value people! Whether they be my family, friends, or just random people on the street I value it all. Oh and shout to Josh’s Guitar Hero/Rock Band! These games would not be as fun without buddies though, therefore its people I value! It all comes full circle! ROCK ON!

Whether it be a baby’s life, an adult, an elderly person….all life is valuable and what we do with it is important. My Uncle just passed away a couple days ago, and once again, I’m reminded about this life here on earth. It’s all I know. I used to get wrapped up in the notion that I better do good here on earth so that in heaven I will be rewarded. (I am fully aware that my salvation and how I get to heaven has nothing to do with anything I do except believing that Jesus is my savior.) But I’ve come to realize that I can’t be obsessed w/ heaven. It’s going to be wonderful (so the Bible says) and I do look forward to it. But I still don’t know, I’ve never been there! So I need to make my life here count. It needs to be rich and full of love, family and friends, because that’s what’s happening now. There’s been alot of death around my family in the last couple years, and to tell you the truth, I’m sick of it. But it keeps nudging me to do the best I can right now, so that I’m being fulfilled at this moment in time. Not waiting for the future, not waiting until things change, not waiting until things get better. When I focus on valuing other people, I am fulfilled. I don’t know what life will bring tomorrow, so I want to make it the best I can today.
—brandi

I will do just about anything, and go just about anywhere, if I feel that in doing that thing - I will make a positive impact in the life of the person or people I am doing it for. I …. want to be of value.

“Maybe this world is another planet’s Hell.”- Aldous Huxley