Values Driven? [September 18, 2011]
Eldon Boldt

Sermon Notes

Values:

1. Faith
2. Maturity
3. Love

Cultural Practices:

SAFE ENVIRONMENT: We will maintain an environment where people can speak up without fear. We listen for contributions and commitment; we do not listen (or speak) against people and ideas. A safe place to engage when we have been wounded.

COMMITTED PARTNERSHIPS: We will build and sustain strong partnerships; we do not protect ‘our’ turf, nor do we engage in conspiracies.

CLEAN SLATE: We do not hold grudges, but rather work to reconciliation. Unconditional positive regard to others!

POSITIVE COMMUNICATION: We measure our communication success by how others receive us, not by our personal point of view.

REPENT, RECONCILE, REST: When we fail to uphold our cultural practices, we clean up and recover quickly; repentance, reconciliation and rest. When others fail, we commit to gently and humbly restore them. (Gal 6:1)

CELEBRATE VICTORY: We look for the best in people, we acknowledge others and celebrate both small and large successes:

1.  
   1. immediate
   2. sincerely
   3. factual and specific- not flattery
   4. tied to example of what we want to be modeled throughout the whole.

FULFILLED POTENTIAL: We hold unselfish expectation of others with a sense of anticipation for what God will do to bring each of us to fullness.

1. THE BEST USE OF LIFE IS LOVE

1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal.

God says love is what life is all about. 1 Corinthians 13:3 MSG No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

The only thing that’s going to last in your life is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 ”There are three things that will endure: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.”

2. THE BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE IS TIME

I John 3:18 We must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. If you say you love but you’re not showing any time, you’re just kidding yourself.

Ephesians 5:2 NLT Live a life filled with love following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice [circle “gave Himself as a sacrifice”] to take away your sins.

3. THE BEST TIME TO LOVE IS NOW

Galatians 6:10 NLT Whenever we have the opportunity we should do good to everyone.

Ephesians 5:16 NCV Use every chance you have for doing good.

Proverbs 3:27 GN Whenever you possibly can do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.

Evaluation questions:

• Describe where you feel you are on or off
• What changes (if any are required) will you make?
• When would you expect to see change?