“There are healthy observable values, and there are unhealthy ones.”

A thought by John Townsend from his book, Leading From Your Gut (p. 39). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

This will also help in building a strong inner core of values. 

Observation Tower

He says, “You may not even be aware of your observable values, but something is influencing you to do what you are doing in your life and your leadership.”

He then deals with two types of observable values.  He says, “The healthy values are in line with what matters to God, and promote great growth, relationships, and productivity. In other words, they bear the right kind of fruit. The unhealthy values work against what God intends for you, and ultimately slow down or even derail your progress as a successful and fruit-bearing person.”

He goes on, “Healthy observable values. Healthy observable values are basically you ‘at your best.’ That is, they are the principles that drive you to be the best person you can be, and to accomplish the best goals you can accomplish. You may not be aware of them, but they are there, promoting and influencing the right behaviors and attitudes.”

He continues, “Unhealthy observable values. Unfortunately, we can also be driven by values that aren’t great, and don’t work well for us or advance our mission in life. Until they are identified and resolved, these unhealthy values prevent us from being our best self. That’s why taking the time to identify them is so important.”

He also says, “Don’t let shame and guilt deter you from this important work. Focus on God’s love and grace, and lean in to the people who are ‘for’ you. They all want you to be the healthy, intuitive leader you were designed to be, and this is an essential step on the path to that goal. Bite the bullet and look at the patterns that have repeatedly led to regrettable choices for you.”

And we all want to do that, don’t we? 

Yes, yes!