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Values are standards, principles, or qualities that are esteemed. Therefore, they are indicative of what is important, both individually and societally.
Personal values are typically formed early in life through the influence of parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Then, reinforced by emotional investment, they gradually become incorporated into thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. Human lives reflect their values. I once attended a church service where the pastor asked the children among the congregants, “What do your parents value?” As parents sat mortified, many children answered with complete honesty. The answers included TV, work, family, computer, etc. The exercise revealed that human beings do what they value and value what they do. |
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The values of the church serve a significant role in determining its spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. The primary factors that shaped the values of the early New Testament church were the leading of the risen Savior, the teaching and tradition of the Apostles, and prayer. As evidenced by church history, whenever and wherever these same values are cherished, they contribute to the bearing of spiritual fruit in New Testament quality and quantity.
© 2023 James Hiatt |
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