Lately I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and evaluating my core values. These values have shaped what I’ve made priorities and have put me on the path to my current destination. Most of this list has been inspired by John Maxwell’s Daily Dozen but I’ve adapted it to fit my needs. I’ve heard it said that I wise man digs a well before he needs water. It’s also been said that when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare. These decisions listed below serve as a guide to future decision making.
Core Values + Daily Priorities = Dreams Fulfilled
- Example – “I value my character, therefore I commit to making personal growth a priority, so that I may add value to people who add value to others.”
1. I will have a positive Attitude by:
- Letting this mind (to serve as opposed to being served) be in me which was also in Christ Jesus… (Phil 2:5),
- and by getting up early so that I can be in communion with God and have time to strategically plan my day. (John 15)
2. I choose to be Healthy by:
- evaluating daily eating choices,
- and by exercising at least 4 times a week so that my body can be used as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).
3. I will serve my Family by:
- loving my wife by putting her interests first, taking her on dates, practicing empathy (listening), helping out at home, and daily renewing a covenant with my eyes so that I fulfill my marriage vows to her (Eph 5:21-25),
- and by loving my children by practcing positive reinforcement (7 praises to 1 correction), listening (turning off phone at 6p) so that I am able to and guide them through questions of identity, belonging, and contribution. (Eph 6:4)
4. I will make Thinking a priority by:
- spending at least one hour each day in reflection clearing my mental cache by turning off the browser and my phone
so that I can focus on those key tasks that provide great long term dividends. (Matt 6:33; 1 Cor 9:25)
5. I will keep my Commitments by:
- ensuring that any promises I’ve made are being acted upon,
- and by checking to see that any items I’ve delegated are on schedule so that I may influence others who influence others. (Matt 28:19-20)
6. I will make wise Financial decisions by:
- being wise with every expenditure, and being generous (tip it back and pay it forward) so that I can be a wise steward of God’s money. (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Cor 4:2)
7. I will Abide in Christ by:
- seeking Him daily through Scripture reading, prayer (among other spiritual disciplines), and practicing an active faith in His leading,
- serving HIS church through teaching, leading, shepherding, and networking,
- seeking the good of my community,
- and by showing compassion so that I play an active role in establishing HIS Kingdom and Glory in the universe. (Col 1:18)
8. I commit to lifelong learning through personal growth by:
- reading, writing, thinking, filing,
- finishing my M.Div.,
- trying new things,
- and by finding ways to learn every day, through new experiences and active learning so that I may be a workman not needing to be ashamed (2 Tim 2:15), and prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
9. I will be Thankful by:
- spending time each day thinking and giving thanks for all the great people and things in my life,
- writing hand written thank you notes,
- and by sending birthday cards on time so that the saints will be equipped for the work of service, and to the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).
10. I will have fun by laughing at myself and with others. (Prov. 17:22)
11. I will tell the truth. (Eph. 5:3)
12. I will call my parents every week. (Prov. 23:22)
13. I will be prepared and on time. (Prov. 6:6)
14. I will attempt BIG things for God and the good of HIS people.
15. I will not text and drive.
Tim Holman, Writer 