Morals and Values 10 - What and where they should come from

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