At the core of my being...

What are your core values? One author defines core values as: "...who we are. They describe our intended state of being. They are so integral to our being that we would not abandon them even if we were penalized for holding them." I was reflecting on this during an Open House at Good Shepherd Christian Academy, the Christian School ministry of our Assembly. As I looked over the classroom displays and listened to our dedicated teachers making presentations to parents, the question "Are the core values of this ministry coming through?" was my recurrent thought. Core values keep an organization on track with her mission, but they must be clarified and renewed constantly against erosion.

Now, to my point today. It isn't just churches or ministries that need to define and clarify core values. As individuals we need to know who we are, what things we will never compromise, and why! If asked, could you quickly state three truths that shape your life today that no amount of pressure can change? (music, please, while we think...) Stating core values that universally apply to our lives can be difficult because our lives are complex as a result of layers of overlapping interests that make very different demands of us. There is God's voice that says, "Serve me with complete devotion." There is self interest that says, "I must control my world and protect myself. I must care for my own needs." There are voices from spouses, kids, neighbors, government, bosses, media, and the list goes on, each demanding that we dance to their tune.

• When work and worship compete for the same time in our week, what core value will guide our choice?
• When God's call to be a holy person (that is, one who belongs to Him for His purpose) collides with my desire to find acceptance in my social circle, what is the core value that emerges?
• When the lure of success in life dangles a 'golden' opportunity in front of us and God holds out a choice for significance to us, what core value helps us to know the right decision?

This Scriptural directive is all the more important for us as it instructs us to "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other." (Colossians 3:16, NLT) The Psalm of the Word is a prayer and a promise saying, "Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!" (Psalm 119:2-5, NLT)

The Lord wants us to be people with integrity. Integrity is the quality of being the same all the way to the core. Duplicity- that is living this way at church, that way at home, and yet another way at work- is a prescription for insanity! James warns that a "double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." But if we discover the truth of God, talk it through with other Believers so we understand it, and let it own our minds, we will develop a set of core values that are a solid foundation. Jesus tells us that 'These words I speak to you ... are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, The Message)

If you're wavering, if you find yourself confused by life's competing demands, let me suggest that you work at defining the core values of your life. Be guided by the Spirit, informed by the Word. Write down what you discover. Review that list prayerfully asking the Holy Spirit to make His will plain. Then - build your life on the rock-solid foundation that will keep you true to your Lord.