Christian Values

Today our world is filled with conflict, division and war. Mankind seems to be hopelessly divided among nations, cultures, religions—and their underlying values. Peace and reconciliation do not appear to be attainable. Perhaps the best we can hope for is maintenance of the status quo. Meanwhile we hope that an outbreak of violence does not reach where we live.

Societies and people see the world through their own sets of values and perspectives, so it seems there are countless irreconcilably different value systems.

All we have to do is look at the continuing conflicts in the Middle East and other areas of the world. We have Sunni vs. Shiite, Muslim vs. Christian, Buddhist vs. Hindu, and many other ongoing conflicts of values. So we have a problem.

What is the solution?

If conflicting values are a problem, then the acceptance of the same—the right—values can be an important part of the solution. However, in this world, it is not up to us as individuals to determine or enforce the proper standards or values. That role is filled by our Creator.

But if we believe in Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we be asking what His standard of conduct is for us? It becomes our responsibility to find out what the core Christian values are from the only source of information God has provided—the Bible. Those who don’t believe in a Creator often end up setting their own values. Their motives might be good, and some of their values might be positive. But God makes it clear that those who reject any of His values and commandments have a fatal flaw in their thinking (Matthew 5:19; 15:9). In the end, the result of conflicting and wrong values is chaos, confusion, hatred and violence. Many are choosing that path now, showing little regard for the values of others—or the values of God.

But if we believe in Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we be asking what His standard of conduct is for us? It becomes our responsibility to find out what the core Christian values are from the only source of information God has provided—the Bible. For further study on how God’s values will bring peace to our divided world, see the article “Culture Wars.”

What are some of the core Christian values?

The word Christian is supposed to mean one who is following the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are told that we are to follow His example and walk in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). His values therefore are to become our values. Those who agree will share common values.

While the Bible does not specifically give a list of “Christian values,” let’s notice some of the many important values taught in the Bible:

• Keep God’s 10 Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:29; Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 John 2:3-4). We are to love God with all our hearts (Matthew 22:37) and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:9).
• Have faith and trust in God (Psalm 37:3; Mark 11:22; 2 Corinthians 3:4). When things are going well for us, it’s easy to believe. But if we suffered like Job, would we still have faith and trust?
• Humble ourselves as little children (Matthew 18:4; James 4:10). Consider how open a little child is to being taught. Watch a child’s utter dependence on his parents for everything and see the kind of faith and trust we should have toward God.
• Do good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:7, 14). Christians should desire to meet the needs of others as they are able. This includes being responsible to fulfill commitments to family and community.
• Repent and commit to holding fast to the truth of the Bible (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We should recognize sinful conduct for what it is and change our behavior. When our sins are forgiven, we should seek truth and commit to it.
• Cultivate spiritual gifts to serve others (Romans 12:6-13; 1 Corinthians 14:12). Christians will look for ways to serve in a variety of situations. We should ask God to provide His gifts to us, recognizing that the greatest gift is love.
• Seek God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Zephaniah 2:3). Our own ways will lead to destruction, pain, suffering and death. The only way to happiness, fulfillment and joy is living righteously according to God’s perfect and beneficial laws.
• Live at peace with others (1 Corinthians 14:33; Isaiah 32:17). Resolve conflicts with humility, consideration and thoughtfulness. Do not offend others and do not be offended by others.

This is just a sampling of the many Christian values we can find in the pages of the Bible. Each one is food for serious thought about our values. All of them show characteristics that would improve the quality of life and result in happiness, joy, peace and fulfillment.

The point is that these are attributes we should value in our lives. Why? Because God exists and He has provided an instruction manual in the form of the Holy Bible that clearly shows us how people are to properly function for optimal performance.

If we’re looking for Christian values, this is where we will find them! If everyone agreed to do these things, wouldn’t we see dramatic changes in our lives, in our communities and in our nations?

Christian values are coming

For now, all we can do individually is incorporate these values into our personal lives. However, the time is coming when Jesus Christ will return to this earth in power and glory. At that time, He will take the blinders away from this world (Ephesians 4:18) and reveal His true values to the people of all nations (Isaiah 11:9).

Today there is chaos, confusion and conflict in the world. Nations and peoples have their own sets of values and are intolerant of others who don’t share their values. Our news headlines are going to continue to be filled with stories of cruelty, hatred, violence and war. How do we know that? Because the world is not living by real Christian values. Humans are living by the way that seems right to them—with predictable results (Proverbs 14:12).

In the promised Millennium of peace, under the government of Jesus Christ, representatives from all nations will come to Jerusalem to seek understanding of the values of God (Isaiah 2:2-3).

We at Life, Hope & Truth proclaim these values today, along with the good news that true Christian values will pervade the soon-coming reign of Jesus Christ.

Why not learn more about applying them in your life today? We encourage you to read more in the sections on “The 10 Commandments” and “Christian Conversion.”