Don't leave home without it!

No, it is not a credit card! It is a set of personal values that we have thought deeply about and are committed to and which inform all that we do - everyday. 


Either we determine a set of non-negotiables or guiding principles for our lives or we allow the prevailing values of our world to set them for us. Those values are the messages that we hear constantly from the media and from our fellow pilgrims, some good and some deeply flawed. The best values come from a deep understanding of God and His call on our lives. Defining them for ourselves gives us an internal compass that lived out daily keeps us focused, molds our character and commitments and influences those around us. They set the tone for our lives.


Recently one of my fellow ministry leaders shared his personal and leadership values with me that reflect the kind of thinking all of us should do. These are so ingrained in his life and thinking that they are the grid through which he does life and leadership. They are his true north!

Four Key Personal Values

I value total devotion to God; my chief aim is "to love God and enjoy Him forever."

(Phil. 1:21: Paul)

I value the truth; facing the truth about myself and, by God's grace, intercepting potential fatal flaws that might destroy my integrity.

(Psalm 51: David)

I value right priorities; being a godly husband, father, and friend.

(Proverbs 5:18-22, 18:22)

I value learning; maintaining a learning posture in all of life.

(Exodus 33:13: Moses)

Six Key Leadership Values

I value humility; being led by God before attempting to lead others.

(John 21:15-19: Peter)

I value mentoring; having men and women in my life to help shape my vision, values, and lifestyle as a leader. (Acts 9:27-28, 11:25-26: Barnabas)

I value leadership selection; that leaders are both born and made.

(I Ti 1:18-19, 4:7-8, 11-12, II Ti 2:2-3, 3:14-15: Timothy)

I value leadership development; the development of emerging leaders having great importance in my life and in the extension of the Kingdom.

(Exodus 17:9-14, Numbers 13, Deut. 1:38, 31:1-18: Joshua)

I value authenticity; pursuing honest and transparent relationships with the people I lead and who lead me.

(I Samuel 18:1-4, 20:1-42, 23:16-18: Jonathan)

I value perseverance; pressing on to finish well as a leader.

(Hebrews 12:2, II Ti 4:1-8: Paul)

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way:  cross, shame, whatever."

(Hebrews 12:2, The Message)

The more deeply we think about who God has called us to be and what is important to us the closer we will get to that goal. Leaders will also find that those they lead will take their cues about what matters from them. Thus their commitments, well defined and well lived out influence not only their lives but the lives of those they lead. All of us influence others but first we need to clarify our own values! As you think about the new year coming up, consider clarifying your values or guiding principles if you have not done so.