Values vs. Priorities

"The serene silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the might of the Spirit of God." Blaise Pascal

When I think about the concept of values and morals, I see to squeeze them together with priorities. After reading today's devotion, I realize that it takes morals and values to come up with priorities. Priorities can change over time, but your values are what's concrete and constant. Everything that you do is based on what your values are. If you are a selfish person at heart, then your actions will display this inner-belief.

My parents used to always say, "actions speak louder than words". When I was really young I wasn't sure what that meant. As I grew older, and wiser, I began to understand the meaning of the common phrase but never as much as I get it now! Whatever your heart's desire is, whatever you believe and value, will show in your life. You will never "cheat" out of this one...it's kinda just going to happen and you will start wearing your morals and values on your sleeve.

So what is it that you value most? If you are embarrassed of people knowing what that is then maybe it is time to change it. If it is too embarrassing to "show and tell" then it is probably something that isn't the best thing to be putting at the top of your list.

Remember, whatever you value will determine your actions and the way you live your life. God loves you and wants you to value what is important, pure, safe, honest and He will help you to do just that!

Will Do

1. Listen for God's guidance to help make the right decisions
2. Be honest with yourself
3. Choose things that will reflect your highest values
4. Make wholehearted choices
5. Realize that priorities change, values are the motivation for choices
6. Cultivate loyalty in friendship

To Do

1. Look at current priorities and see if they reflect your values
2. Meditate on Psalm 15
3. Eat fruit instead of a doughnut; go for a walk instead of being a couch potato
4. Balance your checkbook
5. Do a Bible study on character traits
6. Set a goal and make small steps to reach it
7. Spend time with encouraging friends

Bible Verses to Remember

1. Psalm 15:1-2
2. Hebrews 13:16
3. Psalm 25:9
4. Titus 2:7
5. Psalm 78:72
6. Proverbs 28:5

"I'd decided that I would make my life my argument. I would advocate the things I believed in terms of the life I lived and what I did."
            Albert Schweitzer