8. Our Values
Value 1: Listen
We live by every word that proceeds from God’s mouth (Matthew 4:4). Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27–28), so disciples cultivate a life of hearing God through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Reading tunes our ears to His tone; hearing births faith; and obeying proves we have truly listened (Romans 10:17; James 1:22). Like Mary, we prioritise sitting at Jesus’ feet—because one thing is necessary (Luke 10:38–42).
Listening also means filtering voices. Eve listened to the serpent, and Adam to Eve, with devastating results (Genesis 3). We place “censorship on our ears,” fasting from noise, refusing algorithm-driven opinions, and choosing wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22). Community listening protects us from self-deception: “Submit to one another” and receive God’s word through His people (Ephesians 5:21; Matthew 10:41).
Finally, listening is tested and trained. We “abide” so our will aligns with God’s will, and our prayers align with His purposes (John 14:13–14; 15:7). We test and approve what pleases Him (Romans 12:1–2): act on what we believe we’ve heard, observe the fruit, and learn. Like Jesus in the wilderness, we quiet competing voices and let Scripture be the last word (Matthew 4:1–11). Over time, hearing becomes swifter, clearer, and more fruitful.
Value 2: Lead
You do it. Don’t wait for or expect someone else to do it. Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Leadership in the kingdom is cruciform: we become the best servants of those entrusted to us—at home, at work, and in church (Colossians 3:17). You lead a few. Jesus’ influence was deep more than wide; He invested in twelve, especially three (Mark 3:13–19). You can start at home, with family, or among friends—but start somewhere.
To lead is to go low, because leading is serving. Jesus washed feet (John 13:1–15): the greater the leader, the lower the posture. In God’s economy, servants are raised to influence (Mark 10:42–45). Leading is to submit—even Jesus prayed, “Not my will but yours” (Luke 22:42). Wise leaders seek counsel before they take action (Proverbs 20:18; 24:6). Leadership is hard and long relational work: partnering, equipping, and bearing others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:16).
To lead is to sacrifice. We take ownership when needs arise—“You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)—trusting that Christ is with us in the yoke (Matthew 11:28–30). Leadership begins with self-leadership: disciplined habits, hope-filled self-talk, and integrity when no one sees (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Start with what you have.
Value 3: Love
Do it out of love. Without love, it’s just noise (1 Corinthians 13). Jesus said we should be known by how we love one another (John 13:34–35). It is easy to give cheerfully if we give because we love. Perhaps Paul was stating the obvious—that when we are in love, we will give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). But sometimes the feeling follows the act of faith; sometimes we have to give first to grow in love. Regardless, the reason for doing it is love (“for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Matthew 6:21).
Love is received and learned. Be prepared to receive love. We can only sustain the love we first receive from God and His people (1 John 4:19). Let Jesus wash your feet so you can wash others’ (John 13:8). Receive God’s forgiveness and grace. Enjoy the hospitality of others and the generosity of those who give to you.
Love embraces difference. If we only love those like us, what have we learned? (Matthew 5:43–48). The Spirit creates unity across cultures, classes, and personalities (Ephesians 2:14–22). Love endures because it is fuelled by joy—the joy set before Jesus empowered His cross (Hebrews 12:2). In the same way, the joy of another’s good becomes our own.