Premise Nine - Live by Core Values: Anchoring Your Life in God’s Truth

 

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Key Passage: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." – Philippians 4:8

As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ. In a world where values often shift and change, it can be easy to drift with the tides of culture, compromising the very principles that set us apart as followers of Jesus. Core values like honesty, integrity, responsibility, and gratitude are not just lofty ideals—they are the building blocks of an authentic Christian life. When we align our lives with godly values, we stand firm in a wavering world, radiating the love and truth of Christ to everyone around us.

Why Core Values Matter in the Christian Life

Values serve as the foundation of who we are and how we live. They shape our decisions, guide our actions, and influence the way we relate to others. For Christians, core values are not based on personal preference or cultural trends; they are rooted in God’s Word. Philippians 4:8 provides a clear picture of what godly values look like:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

This passage reminds us to focus on what is good, true, and honorable. In a world filled with negativity, falsehood, and compromise, choosing to dwell on such things sets us apart. By anchoring ourselves in these values, we honor God, strengthen our faith, and serve as beacons of light to those around us.

The Example of Jesus: Living Out Godly Values

Jesus Christ perfectly embodied godly values in everything He did. His life was marked by truth, humility, love, and compassion. He upheld what was right, pure, and noble, even when it meant facing opposition, persecution, and ultimately the cross. Consider how Jesus lived:

1. Honesty and Truth – Jesus boldly proclaimed the truth, even when it was unpopular. He said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” As His followers, we are called to speak and live in truth, avoiding deceit or compromise.

2. Responsibility and Obedience – Jesus faithfully fulfilled His mission on earth, obedient to the Father’s will. In John 6:38, He declared, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.” We, too, must take responsibility for the work God has called us to do.

3. Gratitude and Humility – Jesus gave thanks and lived with a humble heart. Even during the Last Supper, knowing what awaited Him, He gave thanks for the bread and the cup (Luke 22:19-20). His example teaches us to remain grateful, no matter the circumstances.

When we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we begin to reflect His character. Living by core values is not about achieving perfection but about choosing to live with integrity, faith, and gratitude in every area of our lives.

Aligning Your Values with God’s Word

Are the values you live by aligned with God’s Word? It’s easy to get swept up in the values promoted by the world—things like success at all costs, self-interest, and temporary happiness. But as Christians, we are called to something greater. Romans 12:2 reminds us:

"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."

To align our values with God’s will, we must:

1. Immerse Ourselves in Scripture – God’s Word is the ultimate guide for godly living. Through Scripture, we learn what is true, noble, right, pure, and admirable. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

2. Pray for Guidance – Ask God to reveal any areas where your values may be misaligned with His truth. Seek His wisdom and discernment to help you live with integrity.

3. Examine Your Heart – Reflect on what drives your decisions and actions. Are you motivated by love, faith, and obedience to God? Or are you driven by pride, fear, or selfish desires?

4. Surround Yourself with Godly Influences – Fellowship with other believers who encourage you to live a life that honors God. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

5. Make God-Honoring Choices – Choose to act in ways that reflect Christ’s character, even when it’s difficult. Whether it’s being honest in your work, forgiving someone who hurt you, or showing kindness to a stranger, every decision matters.

Practical Steps to Live by Core Values

Living by core values requires intentionality. Here are some practical steps to help you incorporate godly values into your daily life:

1. Commit to Honesty – Be truthful in your words and actions. Avoid exaggeration, dishonesty, or hiding the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. Practice Gratitude – Cultivate a heart of gratitude by regularly thanking God for His blessings. Keep a gratitude journal or start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving.

3. Take Responsibility – Fulfill your commitments and obligations with excellence. Whether it’s at home, work, or church, honor God by being faithful and dependable.

4. Uphold Purity – Guard your heart, mind, and actions against anything that dishonors God. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is pure and lovely.

5. Show Compassion – Reflect God’s love by serving others with kindness and humility. Look for opportunities to bless those in need.

6. Choose Noble Thoughts – Be mindful of what you allow into your mind through media, conversations, or entertainment. Fill your thoughts with God’s truth.

Reflective Questions

Take some time to reflect on your values and how they align with God’s Word:

1. What are the core values that guide your life? Are they rooted in Scripture or influenced by the world?
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to live out godly values? How can you invite God into those areas for transformation?
3. How can you reflect Christ’s character more fully in your home, workplace, or church?
4. What steps can you take today to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable?

A Call to Action

Living by core values is a daily choice. It requires us to examine our hearts, seek God’s guidance, and intentionally align our lives with His truth. This week, I encourage you to take one step toward living out a godly value. Whether it’s showing gratitude, choosing honesty, or serving someone in need, let your actions reflect the light of Christ.

Ask yourself: What small step can I take today to honor God with my values?

Share Your Thoughts

I would love to hear from you! What core values guide your life, and how do you seek to align them with God’s Word? Are there areas where you’ve seen God transform your values over time? Share your reflections, thoughts, or questions in the comments below—let’s encourage and learn from one another as we seek to live out our faith.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word, which guides and transforms us. Help me to live by values that honor You—values of truth, integrity, gratitude, and love. Show me where I fall short and give me the strength to align my life with Your will. May my actions reflect Your light and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion: Reflecting Christ Through Our Values

Our values are more than just ideals; they are the way we live out our faith. When we anchor ourselves in what is true, noble, and pure, we reflect the heart of God to a world in need. Let us commit to living with integrity, gratitude, and love, trusting that God will use our lives to make a lasting impact.

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Nature and Power of Honesty

 When my daughter was younger, she'd love to watch Veggie Tales. I had a copy of one of her favorite VT videos. The title: Larry Boy and Fib from Outer space. 

The premise of the story line focused on dishonesty vs. honesty. Each time Jr. Asparagus told a lie, Fib grew larger and larger. At the end, Fib became quite big and caused trouble for Jr. Asparagus. It was only when Jr. Asparagus realized he needed to tell the truth. Each time he spoke the truth, Fib decreased in size. A simple message for children. Yet, a fundamental principle truth for people in recovery.

In Sobriety Demystified: Getting Clean and Sober with NLP and CBT, author Byron A. Lewis, M.A. writes:

...This clearly demonstrates a primary curative aspect of the Twelve steps program: the focus is not on the problem, but rather on the solution. ...intrinsic to this step is a primary principle of Twelve Step programs known as rigorous honesty.

What Lewis is referring to is the hardline truth: all individuals suffering from substance use disorder come to a place of admitting to the fullest extent the nature of their problems. In line with the First Step, Lewis remarks how it is the start of the process.

Power of Honesty and Admission of Powerlessness

A person becomes powerless because substance use becomes a pervasive, chronic, and progressive disease of brain reward and motivation. Lewis comments on how ongoing suffer's of substance use tend to foster a tendency toward ignoring consequences of compulsory behavior. Instead, the individual believes they are capable of handling problems associated with their continued use.

While they may trust in their own confidence of managing problems, despite continued use, there is repeated failure in moderating, limiting, or controlling their actual use. Instead, problems become exacerbate. Continued use despite negative consequences. 

As a moderately seasoned counselor, I provide the following information to my patients:

• Inability to manage when substances are consumed
• Inability to manage amount of substance use being consumed
• Inability to manage behaviors associated with being impaired/under the influence
• Inability to manage any withdrawal symptoms being experienced because of increased substance use

In Alcoholics Anonymous, one may even hear someone say, "I just can't stop at just one drink". That is because they are verbalizing the reality of their own inability to control how much, how often, and how they may behave once they take that initial drink.

It is this moment of clarity of being honest with self, a person may be able to start laying the foundation for a true recovery-based program.

Power of Honesty and an unmanageable life

Not only has an individual become powerless over their substance use, but their own lives have also become unmanageable. This recognition is a second layer of the foundation. Another rigorous honest approach is the acknowledgement of the pervasive impact it has had on the individual sufferer.

Noah Levine writes this:

For the addict in the midst of addiction, life is often a downward spiral that ends in incarceration, institutionalization, violence, loss, and death. Some may continue to function in seemingly normal ways - working, parenting, and participating in society - but an internal death occurs, a numbness arises, and they start to disconnect from themselves and from others. A wall of denial and suppression, too high and too thick to scale or break through, keeps others out and keeps the addicts in, trapped by [their] own defenses, prisoner to [their] own addiction (Refuge Recovery - Addiction Creates Suffering, pp 3-4).

Levine continues with these points on how suffering manifests in an individual:

1. Stress created by craving for more
2. Never having enough to feel satisfied
3. Stealing to support continued substance use
4. Lying to hide ongoing substance use
5. Ashamed and Guilty of one's behaviors
6. Feeling (belief) of unworthiness
7. Living in constant fear the consequences of one's actions
8. Intense emotions of anger and resentment
9. Hurting other people and self
10. Intense hatred toward self and others
11. Jealousy and envious of others
12. Feeling victimized and/or inferior toward others
13. Selfish due to being needy and greedy
14. Lack of confidence toward genuine sense of happiness and wellness
15. Anguish and misery of being enslaved by continues substance use

The nature of unnecessary suffering (as Levine remarks in his book) is a battle between our desire for happiness verses our need for survival. In active substance use, it is merely about survival from one moment to the next. A person's life is hyper focused on seeking out, obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol and/or drugs.

Levine makes this statement on how one's recovery is fundamentally founded on the principle of honesty:

This is a process that cannot be skipped or half-assed. The foundation of our recovery is a complete admission and acceptance of the suffering that we have caused and experienced due to addiction.

Levine continues how this rigorous honesty needs to happen in order to do away with any shred of denial, minimization, justification, or rationalization. It is a principle truth that requires a radical honest approach toward healing. This radical honest approach encompasses two truths:

• Come a complete and total understanding of the reality of our own suffering and negative impact substance use has had on our lives.
• Accept the reality and truth that it is because of our continued substance use that is the causation for our own suffering.

Through our admission and acknowledgement, and by embracing the reality, that because of ongoing substance use, one has become powerless, and life had become unmanageable.

Power and nature of honesty leads toward freedom

Embracing the reality of our suffering. Admission to our sense of powerlessness and inability to manage life is the precursory means to establish an abstinent based recovery program. An individual begins to experience freedom by striving toward physical sobriety. Once physical sobriety is achieved, an individual begins the honest and rigorous work toward emotional sobriety.

Physical sobriety is the ability to establish and sustain a life without alcohol and/or drugs. It is the ability to manage and cope those symptoms of withdrawals. Maintaining daily empowerment to implement alternative ways to manage cravings that may lead back toward substance use. It is the ability to regain the power of volition of making daily decisions not to drink or use.

Emotional sobriety is more rigorous in bringing an individual face to face with their own inner turmoil. Learning how to manage intense emotions. Becoming empowered to move toward healthier relationships, financial stability, regain a peace of mind, finding meaning and purpose, rediscovery of core values and beliefs, and practicing a healthy lifestyle. It is a process of transformation and restoration of our true sense of identity.

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The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?  If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

~ Genesis 4:6-7, ESV ~ 

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Through emotional sobriety, a person regains the ability to manage their own emotions. This does not mean we fake it till we make it or force ourselves to think positively all the time. It means we are honest with ourselves when it comes to the nature of our own emotions: Positive or Negative. If we are not managing our emotions, our emotions are managing us, and we end up not doing well. We fall short because we return back to our old behaviors.

Summary of thought

Like Jr. Asparagus, a person suffering substance use creates a life that is dishonest. It becomes a rather large beast in our lives. The only way we are to bring ourselves back to a right way of living is by a radical and rigorous honest approach. The more we engage in being honest with self, the smaller and insignificant our own suffering becomes.

And, while it does not free us from the consequences of our substance use. It empowers us to face those consequences in order to regain mastery over our own lives.