How would you define values? Values can
be defined as, the attitudes or beliefs that are important to us, which
regulate our thinking and behaviour. What values do you hold dearly and try to live
by? Where do you get your own values? We need to remember that there will
always be those whose values will conflict with yours either directly or
indirectly. We need to be able live and work with others whose values collide
with yours as a follower of Jesus Christ. However, for many a Christ-follower they
attempt to dodge or ignore the issues.
Jesus dealt
with this in John 8:1-12, when a woman
supposedly caught in adultery was thrown in front of Jesus challenging His
values. However, His values were never in conflict with each other. He was able to display mercy, truth, righteousness and
love without there ever being a tension. Jesus had an amazing ability to bring
mercy and truth, righteousness and love into a situation, in an effective
balance. He turned this explosive situation into a powerful demonstration of His
values. Remember that the woman had sinned and the crowd demanded the truth of
justice without mercy, righteousness without love. Nevertheless, Jesus never
fluctuated in His values. He was merciful, without compromising the truth; He
stood for the truth while showing mercy. He could stand for righteousness, but
not at the expense of love. He displayed His love, but not at the cost of
righteousness.
Today we will live
and work with those whose values clash
with ours. Will we dodge or ignore the issues, or maybe even compromise our own
values? Jesus demonstrated how to live a
life not compromising His values of truth, mercy, truth, righteousness and love.
We too can learn to not compromise our values. But if we do, we have a Father
that is forgiving and will give the strength and grace to try again.
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