Morals and Values
for
Values. What and where
they should come from.
ž They must take precedent above our
culture –whatever culture that might be.
ž They need to come from more than our
upbringing or education.
ž The best place they should come from
is from the heart of being a “follower of the way”.
ž Often times, issues that people say
have “Christian’ values” do not. Often times people’s values have nothing to do
with the Bible, or, more importantly, being a “follower of the way”, or of
becoming like Christ.
ž Non-Religious Christianity removes
any show or pretence from our seen value system and our inner
personal value system. Our public
and private persona should be
identical.
ž That our values should come from relationships
is paramount. Jesus died to restore relationships. Relationship with God as
well as people.
ž In building our paradigm of values, relationship
with each other and the well-being of others is central.
ž It is vital to hold to a Christological
interpretation of the Bible, i.e. that Christ is central to scripture. It is more
than helpful if we work back from who He is.
ž To grow in Christ- likeness, a theology
of Grace and freedom is foundational to thoughts and actions.
ž It is important to have a strong theology
of issues such as: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor
female,” so that the leadership of females is not an issue, neither is race,
colour, or earthly nationality. These issues are contemporary throughout the
global village.
ž Choose a lifestyle that reflects the
character of Jesus. Thereby we take on the mantle of Christ.
ž Adopt a world view that creates a
mindset where we consider all our human relationships as bringing and giving
meaning to the whole of life.
ž Know that Christ is central in the
story of God’s creation, because He is in the process of restoring all things
to perfection.
ž Know that Grace fulfils and then
surpasses law and brings freedom.
ž Value the equality of all. Hold tight
to a value system, where all people are identified in the cross of Christ.
It’s a good idea to
think about the differences in Values between what we see as Hebraic and what
was Greek thinking at the time of Christ
ž Have a look at what is the difference
between the thinking that was Hebraic, and what is and was Greek thinking and
value.
ž This would be another way of checking
our real Values. And I think it would give you quite a surprise. You will find a comparison analysis of these
things in my book, “Jacob. A Fatherless Generation.”
Scripture says:
ž Romans 8:29. Amplified Bible (AMP)
29For those whom He foreknew [of
whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the
beginning [foreordaining them] to be moulded into the image of His Son [and
share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many
brethren.
ž Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Don’t copy the behaviour
and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by
changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Adrian Hawkes
3 min talk for UCB
w. 442
