Remaining Steady In Unstable Times, Part 2 In our last blog, the issue of establishing and maintaining “Core Values” was considered. In this article, we will examine some of the benefits that follow this practice. Here is a list of the basic core values previously discussed. It is not intended to be deep and detailed; nor is it comprehensive. I Will Value Knowing God And Keeping Him First In My Life. I Will Live A Life Yielded To The Lordship Of Jesus Christ. I Will Value Others. I Will Reach The Lost. Let’s now turn our attention to some of the benefits that follow establishing and honoring these values in our personal lives. Core Values Will Give Us Strength From Within. This inner strength is essential when the world around us is filled with confusion and chaos. It is also vital when we are faced with temptation and other struggles and issues in our daily lives. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11). Core Values Will Anchor Us When Adversity Strikes. Core values, based upon God’s truth, act as an anchor and a safe harbor when the storms of life begin to move upon us. The wise man builds his life upon the rock. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:19). Core Values Help Us Avoid Growing Weary. The truth is, we all have opportunity to grow weary from time to time. Life can wear us out. Fatigue (whether physical, emotional, or mental) can attempt to bring us to the point of quitting. It is vital to allow God’s Word to work from within. Using wisdom in regard to proper diet, rest, and exercise is equally important. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). Core Values Enable Us To Remain Steadfast, Immovable, And Abounding. Apostle Paul lived and ministered during times of great challenge and turmoil. He routinely admonished believers to remain strong, steady, and fruitful even in fearful days of persecution and confusion. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Core Values Keep Us From Entanglements Of The World Around Us. We must remain vigilant at all times. Guard against the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Jesus taught that such things choke the Word from our hearts and cause it to become unfruitful. "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19). As has been stated previously, we are living in an era of tremendous turmoil. Many are walking in confusion, fear, and uncertainty. This ought not be the case for the children of God. We have entered a time of great revival as well as great apostasy. Many will come into faith; others will fall away. "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4). Establishing and maintaining basic core values will prove essential to our success for the Lord has indeed ordained us to be overcomers. True success means to know and do the will of God; nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). Grace & Peace, pg