CHRISTIAN VALUES!

Proverbs 28:1-28 GNT

The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion. [2] When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders. [3] Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops. [4] If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them. [5] Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the LORD understand it well. [6] Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest. [7] Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents. [8] If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor. [9] If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear. [10] If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap. The innocent will be well rewarded. [11] Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better. [12] When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding. [13] You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you. [14] Always obey the LORD and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined. [15] Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear. [16] A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time. [17] Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him. [18] Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall. [19] A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor. [20] Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished. [21] Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe. [22] Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike. [23] Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery. [24] Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief. [25] Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the LORD. [26] It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people. [27] Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you. [28] People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.

 

Christian values refer to values derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible is full of admonitions regarding Christian values or ethics, with the majority found in the book of Proverbs. These are the principles or standards of the acceptable way of the Christian life. Godly values are the principles that a Christian holds as important—the principles of life that the Bible teaches.

Christian values don’t change over time; they are consistent from generation to generation since their foundation is based on God’s Word, which stands forever according to Isaiah 40:8. They are core principles meant to guide the lives of believers and reflect the character and teachings of Jesus. Key Christian values are rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and serve as instructions for how to live in relationship with God and others.

Many people sincerely want to live Godly lives with expressive Christian values but have conflicting ideas of what that means. Yet, applying godly values should be the intention of every Christian.

Jesus said our actions reveal our value system. Our actions show what we believe, as described in Luke 6:45. Do your actions show that your living standards and values are scripturally based?

A nation is as stable as its people are moral. Communities, churches, schools, families, businesses and the nation are groups of people dependent on the leaders, with expectations to be rightly guided by good social values. When a nation’s conscience is corrupt, it reflects in the citizens and when the citizens are corrupt it affects the leaders and the nation. The foundation of every nation is built upon the values of cluster groups and organisations such as churches, schools and families, because that is where the leaders in government come from. A foundation with ungodly values will soon spread its lack of values and moral decadence universally, see Psalm 11:3.

The values of the Bible are often the opposite of the world’s—such as kindness and respect for all people instead of power, humility instead of status, honesty and generosity instead of wealth, self-control instead of self-indulgence, and forgiveness instead of revenge.

Christian values have their foundation on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and promote peace and goodwill among people according to God’s purposes.

They say when in Rome, act like the Romans. It's very easy to be Roman when you have no values of your own.

God warned the Israelites not to mix with their neighbours, so they don’t become corrupted and stray to worship their gods, devaluing God’s teaching in Exodus 23:24.

If we are not faithfully and consistently following and practising the Christian values and faith laid out for us in the Bible, it becomes easy to surrender to the wrong values and ethics practised around us.

Social pressure is so intense now and, with it, comes the power to turn even a strong-willed person without godly values to either “join them” or sympathise with the opposition.

God already told us what is good and that’s what He requires from us—for us to always do what is right, in Micah 6:8.

We must refuse to give in to what the Scriptures teach us is wrong. Be careful not to condone and legitimise ungodly values out of a sense of accepting modern and social norms that are completely anathema to the values and standards of God as stated in Isaiah 5:20.

The Christian values of morality, humility, integrity and family values seem to have become things of the past. Instead, we’ve embraced ungodly morals such as greed, dishonest gain and homosexuality according to Romans 1:26-32. But living by the values of the Scriptures gives us a good reputation and trustworthiness.

Learn to cultivate godly Christian values and don’t exchange them for anything.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

-         What steps can I take daily to grow in godly values? 

-         Are my actions and decisions reflecting the Christian values taught in Scripture? 

-         How do I respond to social pressure that conflicts with my faith? 

-         In what ways can I influence my family and community with godly values? 

PRAYER: God, I desire to have good character because I want to honour you. Help me grow to be more like Christ, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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