Values at work

We need direction

We start by doing this really lame game where we are all on boat and we have to kick one person off. The trick is we all take a card that says who we are; a six year old child, a seventy year old grandfather, ex prisoner, reformed drug addict, wealthy business owner.

The point of the exercise is to expose what our values are and how they work. Most agreed that the wealthy business owner should stay on the boat because people would be looking for him. Grandpa got the most votes to be chucked overboard because he had lived his life any way.

What our Culture values

We are encouraged to think value people based on their ability to produce and consume. A person’s value is often measured by their money, career, success, physical appearance.

The direction of our lives

You are what you spend????

Going back to the issue of purpose I challenged the students to think about the direction of their lives. For example, last week most students said they valued their friends because they enjoyed having fun with them. So he is the challenge. Should we be thinking that our friends are here for us or rather that we are here to be their friend? Perhaps instead of thinking about how people fulfil our lives maybe we need to think how we can fulfil other people’s lives. Is life about me or is it about you?

Rev Thanks 

the Rev thanks the students for last week’s discussion on purpose, particularly as it helped him with his message: Image God. We like people to be kind to us but maybe it’s time to be kind to others.

Punching stomachs

I asked the students a metaphorical question. Have you ever felt like punching someone but given them a hug instead. They all said that they just punch. The challenge is to show kindness to those that don’t deserve it.

God’s Values

Mercy Triumphs over Judgment

Students were asked to write five principles they would impose on the world to make it a better place. The results were consistent with every other class. Everyone answers in a very similar way; respect, equality, freedom, don’t steal, don’t lie, no war. Students are stunned to find that they are the Ten Commandments. They are already in place.

Million dollar question

Why don’t we keep the Ten Commandments or even our own values? A student got it right first go, “Because we are selfish.” We don’t need extra rules we need help to overcome our selfishness. That is why we lie, steal, and show disrespect, because we are trying to defend ourselves or get ahead.

So who can help you overcome your self absorption?