(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Think about this: If you were to write out your top one or two values in life and highlight specific ways you live out these values, what would you write?
In her book Dare to Lead, Brené Brown provides an exercise to help the reader discover their highest values and identify specific ways they can live out those values. For example, for Brown’s value of Faith she notes that she applies it by living out of the following behaviors:
- I will find the face of God in everyone.
- I will not use any dehumanizing language.
- I see you. I hear you. I may not have all the answers but I’m going to keep listening.
On an individual level, following through on this exercise to identify your values is very challenging and may take months to peel back layer after layer. On a corporate level, there are some values that we as followers of Christ all have that are essential to the faith. But we must ensure that the values that really matter most are the ones we adhere to. When we place too high a value on non-essentials of the faith, disunity occurs.
READING & PRAYERS:
Have you ever taken the opportunity to think through your highest values? If so, what are they?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes I get frustrated or angry with others because I have a different viewpoint or perspective than they do. Help me to set aside petty differences and remain focused on the things that really matter most to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
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