By Dr. Clyde Dupin
Our values are what we consider valuable. This definition makes values absolute to followers of Christ. Politicians have chosen the word to confuse Christians. I recall how Bill Clinton, after his sex scandal, started using the words family values in every speech. It makes this valuable word confusing to young people in particular. Even good organizations use the word and sometimes their ideas are on shaky ground.
It is shocking to see the way politicians throw the word values around while they are being investigated for political corruption or a sex scandal. The word value is used as shorthand for traditional standards of conduct and morality derived from our Judeo-Christian heritage.
Value was originally a verb: to value is something we do. In its noun form it refers to worth, such as the value of a coin, or a political system. Our values are what we consider valuable. Jesus explains what is valuable when He asks, “What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” The most valuable thing on earth is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship provides love for others, hope for eternity, joy in living and an inner peace beyond description. All that we call values become null and void if Christ is left out of our lives. Values are worth defining and passing on to the next generation.
Value is a great word that’s respected, and we must not surrender it to a liberal media, internet, or to corrupt politicians. The great disappointment for many good people is to hear the word constantly used and then learn those we believed in had no values after a political election. Words spoken by a minister, educator, or politician mean nothing if they do not have a lifestyle of integrity, honesty, and faith in God.
