Remaining Steady In Unstable Times We can all agree these are uncertain times. The signs are clearly visible to anyone paying attention. During seasons of world chaos, shifting, and change, one thing remains and that, of course, is the Word of God. Apostle Paul had many words of admonition for churches and individual believers during times of controversy, confusion, and challenges. He wrote to the church at Corinth: “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). In order to remain “steadfast” and “immovable,” it is essential to establish and maintain CORE VALUES. What are core values? Webster’s defines these terms as follows: Core: The central part of anything; the innermost or most essential part. Value: The worth, merit, usefulness, or importance of a thing; qualities, customs, standards, or principles that are regarded as desirable; esteem. Here is what I believe is an accurate description of Core Values for the believer: The central and most essential values that we consider important to a moral, productive, and worthwhile life; life principles that guide us in our walk with God and relationships with man. Let’s look at some basic CORE VALUES: A. “I Will Value Knowing God And Keeping Him First In My Life.” "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we acknowledge that God is the source of all life and blessings, and He is the One to Whom we are ultimately accountable, we place as our first priority knowing God and giving Him the central place in our lives. This involves, but is not limited to: Worship (John 4:23): Placing worth and value on our relationship with God and understanding Who He is. Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17): Placing worth and value on the Bible, believing it is the infallible Word of God. Prayer (Luke 18:1): Placing worth and value on prayer as the key to changing lives and circumstances. B. “I Will Live A Life Yielded To The Lordship Of Jesus Christ.” “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). The standard of personal purity and holiness is raised as we place value on the lordship of Christ and seek to please Him in all we do. In order to be changed, we must turn from past sins and yield to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23). Jesus told the woman caught in adultery that He did not condemn her, but she was to turn from her life of sin (John 8:11). Submitting to Christ as Lord of our lives is more than leaving a life of sin; it is living life for God’s purposes, following Jesus, and obeying Him. We are responsible to find out what God wants us to do and then do it! C. “I Will Value Others.” "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When we value others, we recognize that mankind was created by God, in His image, and that all have eternal worth and destiny. This involves placing value on: Marriage Family Children (born and unborn) Relationships within the Body of Christ The world D. “I Will Reach The Lost.” "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Placing value on God’s heart for the lost, we evangelize. Here are some important points to remember in this regard: The sure judgment of the lost: eternal separation from God. The responsibility of the individual: share the Gospel (Good News). The responsibility of the Church: to make disciples. The purpose for the Holy Spirit: enable believers to be witnesses. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Please keep in mind that these are simply basic core values. Also, it is often easier to establish these values than to maintain them during times of temptation, chaos, or uncertainty. Next, we will examine some of the many benefits derived from establishing and maintaining CORE VALUES. Grace & Peace, pg