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Values and Character
 

God's nature defines moral values. He did not merely "invent" them. Nor are they something we are "free" to define for ourselves. A righteous or upright moral character is a reflection of God's character; a depraved or corrupt moral character is anything that goes against, or is contrary to, God's character.

Values influence conduct. What you believe will influence what you do. You may be able to hide your true values, character and motives for a while; but when you do so, you merely introduce another character trait into your life - hypocrisy! And you cannot hide it forever: In the end, the day will come in which your true character will be exposed and known to all (1 Timothy 5:24).

The articles in this section tend to have a greater focus on the general concepts of values, love and basic character qualities, which we should (or shouldn't) have. Other sections (such as "Love for God" and "Love for Neighbor") have a greater focus on the application of values to specific areas of life. Most likely, you will conclude that some of the articles overlap, for it is difficult to separate what you value and how you live.


Values Conflicts & PRIORITIES

Because of sin's influence, we live in a world that is filled with conflicting values. Sometimes this involves a conflict between godly values and sinful conduct, when we (as sinners) value sinful things more highly than we value the things of God. At other times, this conflict involves two values that both appear to be godly. Either way, God's Word teaches us the right way to respond.

CHARACTER Qualities

This section focuses on specific character qualities which we are required to have (or which we are forbidden to have). Sometimes, a character quality may be either good or bad, depending on the context in which it occurs!

A Focus on LOVE

The word "love" is often highly distorted. Many reduce it to little more than "lust"; others leave it as a nebulous, undefined (and therefore meaningless) concept. These articles focus on the general topic of "love" - which summarizes all that we are obligated to do in life.


What does the Bible say about the world's values?

What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. (Luke 16:15b)

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)