Aligned with God

As discussed in his book Launching Leaders, author Steven Hitz teaches that true life success occurs when our values and character are consistent in every role and circumstance we are in. We should treat our family with the same respect and dignity we treat our co-workers or neighbors. We should be as patient and forgiving with fellow drivers as we are our friends. We should be the same person in any situation we find ourselves in. One way to do this is to align our character with God. God has high expectations of us and is a great measure of our personal character. If we intentionally take the time to decide what morals and values will bring and keep our lives in alignment with God, we will be able to apply these values to any situation we are in. I don't swear in front of my kids, and I won't swear in front of chatty friends at book club. It's just not who I am.

The values I have chosen for myself are:

1.     I will always stay true to who I am.

2.     I will always seek opportunities to grow.

3.     I will always strive to build others.

4.     I will always give more to the world than I take from it.

 

1.     I will never lower my standards for personal gain.

2.     I will never misrepresent myself.

3.     I will never tear others down.

If I can apply these values to any situation I am in, I will make better decisions. I won't have to weigh out the pros and cons of a questionable tax-evasion trick--I've already decided I will never lower my standards for personal gain. I will never gossip or talk badly about someone else because I always strive to build others up. And I will never take something I have not earned because I always give more to the world than I take from it.