What Are Your Values?

We live in a culture whose values are sometimes not clearly defined or may be described with terms such as “relative” or even “evolving”. Clearly defined values are of extraordinary importance for individuals as well as the broader culture. Values define and determine the quality and character of our lives, the strength of our culture, and what is to be passed to subsequent generations. Listed below are five primary ways that a personal value can be determined.

1. It must be chosen freely—not forced upon you
2. It must be chosen from alternatives—i.e. pro abortion or pro life
3. It must be chosen after thoughtful reflection—not spur of the moment
4. It must be prized and cherished—not a mere passing whim
5. It must be publicly affirmed—something you will take a stand for

An interesting and sometimes challenging drill is to rate the top 10 of your life priorities/values with a 1 having the most value and a 10 having the least value (to you personally) This can be scored in two ways; a. The Ideal, as you believe it should be and; b. How it actually is, in your life. Are a. and b. the same? If not, you might want to ponder that for a while. Remember, the actual value of something is often set by the quality time we invest in it. Children know this one well. This exercise will be of much more value to you, in the days ahead, if you are painfully honest. You may substitute one of your own choosing.

America__/__   Politics/Economy__/__   Spouse__/__   Sports/Hobby__/__

Church Activities__/__   Career/Job__/__   Jesus Christ__/__ Your Children__/__

Computer__/__   Neighbors__/__   (substitute)  _________ __/__

“…It is dearness only that gives everything its value”—Thomas Paine, The Crisis 1776

“My priorities in life can be called the three ‘F’s’…My Faith…My Family…My Football team”                                                         —Tom Landry, Legendary Coach of the Dallas Cowboys 1960-1988

John R. “Barney” Barnes, CDR  USN®