What Values Should I Hold?

 What Values Should I Hold?

We live in a world that says everyone gets to value whatever seems right to them and we have no right to push our personal values on anyone. 

Why then do we look at another’s behaviour and want them punished for what they have done while looking at our own behaviour and just want affirmation and cooperation and reward? 

If everyone gets to value whatever they want, murderers, child abusers, those who are violent towards women should not be locked up in prisons.  They were simply doing what they valued.

We know, in fact, that there are some shared values that society holds.  Where do they come from?  Who has the right to make the decision that they are the ones to be the law of the land?

Our governments struggle with finding a way to make structures and laws that let people be “free” and still protect others who are harmed by bad choices and behaviours.

God has a clear and good answer that helps all of us.  From the beginning of time He has shown us moral laws that always work in every situation.  We call them moral absolutes. 

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Psalm 19:7-8

We all want refreshing and reviving and strength, don’t we?  We want to live wisely.  We want to have joy and bring joy.  Well, in pretty straightforward language we are told that insight for living is found in living as God instructs. 

Whatever others do, however the laws of our land are written, we will do well if we get to know and then follow God’s way. 

Heavenly Father, we know that You love us and You have shown us how this world works and how we can live with joy and true freedom in it – by walking in Your ways and following Your laws. 

You are not about limiting our joy but showing us how to have fullness of joy.  You want us to be truly free rather than floundering around in the silliness that society is telling us about each of us deciding what is right and wrong and getting it wrong.

We already know how much pain that can cause ourselves and others.  Keep us from heading down that treacherous path today.

Help us to trust Your truth that there’s trouble ahead if we move away from Your ways, but great reward if we obey Your laws.  Amen

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They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

Psalm 19:11

Well, will we heed the warning and enjoy the blessings?  We’ll have a wonderful day if we do.