Values are things in which we determine have great worth, things of importance. If you have certain values, but act another way, how does that look to others? You better behave yourself. I see your true colors!
Your behavior can get you in trouble if you have no foundation for your values. Let’s look at the definition of Value:
Value (noun): a person’s principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.
Something that has worth in our life, either monetary or material, is something that is assigned with great importance to us.
Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and, deep down, they are probably the measures you use to tell if your life has importance. It shows your true colors.
That means we need to take a look at behavior too. It is defined as:
Behavior (noun): the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves. Behavior is someone’s actions, conduct, behavior, reaction, response to their environment.
Our True Values Show Our True Colors
So then, values and behavior work hand in hand. If you have a value, you will have a certain behavior based on that value. And if you behave a certain way, it is based on a value you have. If someone sprays water on you, you get wet. If you get wet it’s because of the water – wet and water go together. I know, I have used that analogy before. But you can’t have one without the other. Values and behavior are the same way, you can’t have one without the other.
If someone says they value something, but behave opposite of that value, then they lied about their values. Behavior/Actions do not lie. A person’s behavior tells us what they really value.
Values are Built on our Foundation
“Well Scott, doesn’t someone have the right to change their values?” Well yes, they do. But I believe that is what is wrong with our culture, our society. There is no solid foundation for some people’s values. Their values are swayed by public opinion, by the majority, to fit their agenda, or by what feels better at the moment. Some people base their values on their own experience – what a slippery slope for a foundation. When people don’t have a Biblical foundation, then their values are just made up, based on shifting sand.
There is another message here for another day, but the quality of your values will ultimately be determined by the source of your beliefs. For example, when your beliefs are tied to an expert or authority—whether it’s a religious leader, the New York Times, or your parents, your beliefs are only as solid as that authority. When that authority falters, so do the values of those who follow them. When doubts are cast on those shifting foundations, that leaves the follower with doubts.
Romans 12:2, niv
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
“Jesus, through it all, I see your true colors.”
Challenge for the day – What are your (core) values? What are they based on – Mom and Dad, a major publication or network, or a religious leader or pastor? You are a child of God, not only of great value but with values based on the solid foundation of God’s word. Renew your mind today, every day with the Word of God, and show your true colors. So be it.
