A few weeks ago, I went to Wal-Mart. Now, you have to understand, I am not a fan of the place. I don’t really go there very often, maybe once every six months. I was nearby and they do have some things cheaper then anywhere else. So I went, against my better judgement. After surviving my first trip into the store, I started loading up my car.
As I emptied my cart into the trunk and picked up my purse, I saw it. A tube of lipstick. I didn’t pay for that lipstick. Great. Now I have to go back into the store and wait in line forever to pay for a tube of lipstick. Of course I did so, because to do otherwise would be stealing. And you have to live your values right? Sometimes, the answer is obvious.
I almost never get out to the car with something I didn’t pay for, but I always go back in when it does happen. It is almost always lipstick when it does happen, like once a year. You would think I would learn. That very same week, I managed to do the same thing again, only this time with a Fountain Drink at the grocery store.
Twice in one week! My son was not amused when I was 20 minutes later getting home then I promised. But he totally got it. Living your values every day is important. I quote this phrase to my children often. “Live your values. Every day. No matter what.” and the Bible does say “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
Sometimes the answer is more difficult. The Bible doesn’t say “Go to church every Sunday.” but it does say the church is the Bride of Christ. I have been tempted to skip church when my husband is out of town, and my children have even suggested it a few times.
Going to church is not easy with six kids and no spouse. But then I think, what would I do if I was a single Mom? I would go to church, because it is the right thing to do. I place a high value on being a part of Christ’s church. I need to live my values, even when I don’t really want to do so.
If you value prayer, you will pray.
If you value Bible Study, you will study your Bible.
If you value friendship, you will make and keep friends.
If you value your marriage, you will make it a priority.
If you value integrity, you won’t steal copyrighted digital material.
If you value fitness and health, you will stay away from starchy and sugary foods. (Ouch!)
This is where the rubber meets the road folks.
Sometimes living your values is challenging in other ways. I place a high value on Scripture Memory in our home. For years, I had to work extra one-on-one with my special needs daughter to help her learn her memory work each week. It wasn’t easy! This year, she is reading really well and it has been so fun to see her take off at a fast pace at AWANA.
Now I have another child who isn’t special needs but is also not gifted at memorizing anything. I don’t always want to spend the extra time with him each week, but I know it must be done. Starting now. This is going to cost me something. Living your values often comes with a cost.
Sometimes, that cost is your life.
Nate Saint placed a high value on evangelism. Specifically, the evangelism of the Aucas. He died a brutal death in his first and only attempt. However, both his sister and his son continued to pursue evangelism of this people group and were eventually successful in part because of Nate’s sacrifice.
How far are you willing to go to live your values?
