A lecturer once had us perform an exercise were we enumerated our core values and provided a short explanation of each of the values.
His reasoning was that if you do not have something by which to measure your tasks and activities you will end up doing everything and be satisfied with none of them.

I developed my core values and afterwards I found I was able to say no to things that I previously felt unable to. It was liberating the first time, I was asked to take up a position of youth pastor and I said with complete confidence that the role was completely outside of what I consider my strengths and values, therefore, no.

The most profound lesson I learnt from the process is are my values really values or are they just preferences.

Preferences are those things we would like to value, or think we value but we do not show by our lives. If I say I value honesty but have no qualms with not handing back that extra $20 note the check out chick then what I have is not a true value but a preference for honesty.

Besides being completely hypocritical it's one of those things that cause us to go around seeking the spec in our neighbours eye. (I can't help but think of those people who legislate against homosexuality and find themselves with their pants down in an airport toilet).

There isn't a problem having a preference on something as long as we are honest with ourselves and acknowledge that it's aspirational and not core to our behaviour and lives.

The reason this has all come up for me is not because I've been operating outside of my core values but I've come to question the published core values of my church. This isn't a bad thing, more of a review. In the past 5 years we have moved more towards welfare and social justice but we do not reflect that in our stated values. Likewise some of our stated values look to be more aspirational which again isn't an issue, it's good to seek out different ways of looking at life but if it isn't who you are then don't state it as a value state it as a development goal. Doing this should help to make us mindful of our aspiration and remove the charge of hypocrisy.

Look at it this way. At the moment I have strong tape holding back both of my shoulders. It's part of my treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. When my shoulders are pulled back it promotes proper posture and reduces the strain on my carpal nerve. I aspire to have those shoulders pulled back at all times but in the mean time I need the tape to gently remind me of my goal. If I told my physio that there is nothing wrong with my posture and I'm only slumping at the moment because of the chair I'm sitting in (something I nearly did yesterday because of pride) then I am clearly lying to her, myself and everyone around me.

If your wondering, my core values are:

• Teaching: Through small groups and preaching to challenge groups of both Christians and non-Christians in their journey of faith.
• Mentoring:  Investing my time and my experience with the individual to help grow and deepen their commitment to Jesus.
• Family: Commitment of my time and attention to strengthen the bond between my wife and I as well as my extended family.
• Relevant:  Understanding the context of my ministry and shaping both myself and my approach to it.
• Authenticity: Showing my true self to those I meet and encouraging them to do the same.
• Leadership: Seeking to understand God’s purpose for His people and guiding them in the parts they play.