Do you have core values that define your life? Have you taken the time to write them down?

I hadn't.

I went to a conference where professional speakers urged, with great passion and conviction, to formalize your core values and make every decision through them!

I thought that was a GREAT idea and made notes to do just that.

Then a few weeks went by. No core values written.

Not long after, the topic of core values came up in a sermon at church. I was quickly reminded of what I had learned and the importance of knowing exactly what you stand for and making all of your decisions through the lens of those values.

I, again, thought it was a GREAT idea and made more notes to do just that!

Then a few weeks went by. No core values written.

Finally, this past weekend after a discussion with a friend over "the importance of establishing and writing down your core values and making every decision through them," yet confessing that I've not taken the time to do it... my friend and I challenged each other to grab a pen and paper and show up at church the next day with our list!

That was JUST what I needed! And I'm SO glad to tell you that I now have my very own list of core values to use as a guide in all of the decisions I make. And I even have them written down!

Would you like to know what they are? (If you know me, you know I'm going to tell you regardless of how you answer, right?) ;)

My (Written) Core Values:

1. Seek to bring glory to God in all that I do.
2. Build spiritual Truth and love into the hearts of those God brings me into contact with.
3. Do what is right when no one is looking.
4. Be honest and above reproach.
5. Work to develop a quiet, still spirit.

There are many more things I could have chosen, but I wanted to keep my list to 5 fingers to help me remember and use them often to gauge my actions.

I am SO glad to have this list made and to know exactly what I stand for and where my values lie.

What about you? Have you been like me and heard the importance but never followed through on the notes you made to write your core values down?

If so, I have a challenge for you!

Grab a pen and some paper right now, pray that God will show you what He wants you to value and WRITE it down! You'll be SO glad you did!

Michelle Debenport

(Btw, I'd LOVE to hear what your core values are! If you'd like, share them in the comment section below!)