Can we formulate life? Can we invent or discover a system that guides us? Nothing is perfect. Only perfect God. But we can venture within Wisdom and find in her an ideal ally and life partner. I propose that there are seven (7) key virtues of life (“core values”) that can guide us in growth toward the goal of a healthy and fulfilling life that seeks to live now and also leave a beautiful legacy. Combined, these core values ​​form an orderly philosophy for personal growth and development. I am writing a book on this philosophy and its draft title is “What is truth?”

Wisdom is not simply the means of life. It is an end in itself. God is wisdom, as he is love, as he is truth, as he is light, as he is salvation, as he is grace, among the many other things that he is. We are told that wisdom existed before creation. It was the first of God’s works. That it is The nature of God. Therefore, if we want to give meaning to life, we must see this as the key to everything.

We also need to know that acquiring wisdom requires a search, and a search for life! The depths of wisdom cannot be plumbed. As we search, we will continue to find more and more; very similar to the wealth of a certain resource in a mine. Using the mining analogy, we may have to employ various techniques to reach and retrieve the “ore” of wisdom, as well as find different qualities of this “ore” as we proceed. Some of our “finds” in this search are simply impressive, such as the discovery of a large gold nugget or gemstone. Sometimes it is simply difficult, but we know that we must endure these times to discover more. Wisdom proves miraculous in life. It is worth more than fine silver and gold.

The seven main values ​​are: diligence, prudence, shalom (which is “total peace”), balance, trust, respect and wisdom, they are all interdependent on each other: as one is activated and It is about, so are the others, at least in some small way. In other words, if we improve one, we will slightly improve (at least) the others. (There is a model in the book “What is truth?” That shows the interrelation of these seven main values ​​with wisdom and truth).

Let’s dive deep with an illustration of interdependence …

It can be shown that if we apply confidence, which can be demonstrated in many ways, such as being brave, having faith, etc., we become beneficiaries of more shalom. It takes prudence and diligence to trust; It’s not just hard work (diligence) to begin with, and it takes some self-control (prudence) to trust. It takes wisdom to be patient. Patience is an important part of confidence. Trust means to be honest; again, honesty is an intrinsic act of bravery. Forgiving someone means that we must trust, and in this way we also show respect for the person we forgive. To trust effectively, we must have a reasonably balanced life. If our life is in chaos, it will be more difficult to trust. Balance promotes ability trust. Lastly, we simply cannot implement a wise life without a lot of confidence.

What about another principal value?

Take shalom. To receive Shalom, or as I like to say it, to “achieve shalom”, in the moment, we have to do our job (diligence), be careful what we say and do (prudence), and we must have balance in life; we must trust God (have faith); we must be respectful; and we must pay attention to the life of wisdom in general, which is a summary of all this in any case. Shalom is always a moment-to-moment proposition. So these core values ​​interact with him in a moment-by-moment way.

I just showed the interdependence of the other six core values ​​with confidence first, and then with shalom second. It also works with each other.

Now let’s break down the main values ​​in a different way. It is a way that illustrates the special holistic nature of this system of thought or philosophy.

It covers three key functions or situations in life that are repeated over and over again:

1. Personal domain: diligence and prudence;

2. Givers of life: shalom and balance; Y,

3. Enhancers of social conscience relationships: trust and respect.

Now, this theory posits that we need access to both personal mastery values ​​and life-giving values ​​to harness the relationship enhancers of social conscience, trust, and respect. Again, interdependence. We could transpose the formula and it would work too.

All three drive, complement, and enhance wisdom. They ‘add’ to the wisdom.

Personal dominance: diligence and prudence

Diligence and prudence come first because they are personal. They impact us personally and are most notably created or developed (one is [i.e. ‘you’] diligent or prudent) for reasons, impulses and personal motivations.

Diligence is order; an appreciation of the need for diligence to create order in life. It is to be resolute and to seek a solution in all situations, to work with tenacity, diligence and a focus on definable action. It is commitment and a firm intention, based on a heart for righteousness, and a non-religious piety that is obedience; a focus on caring; a rejection of haste. Other applicable adjectives as personal characteristics are: responsibility, seriousness, discipline, obedience and leadership.

Prudence is primarily self-control over what goes in and out of the mouth, and a heart that reflects the same. All in prudence can be rated based on intake and communication. It is to take care of the silence in the weak times, the attachment to the temperance, the moderation in everything, the discretion and the gala; it is always harmless and impossible to offend. Proverbs mentions that the prudent: ignores insults; act with knowledge and not with your own opinion; think and consider your paths and steps; always think and act humbly when paying attention to correction; seek refuge in dangerous situations; and have a constant awareness of one’s context and environment.

Diligence and prudence are the main character qualities that others look for when making judgments about us. First they critically evaluate our character on these values; how diligent and prudent we are. If we are branded “lazy” or “gossipy”, it is personally relevant. These are character attacks that speak more convincingly of our levels of competence (or lack thereof) in relation to both diligence and prudence.

If we feel personally fulfilled it will be largely because we consider that we have been diligent and prudent in our attitude and behavior. Our self-image and self-esteem are reinforced in this way. These are keys personal values, which have a tremendous impact on the next two. These two come first.

Life Givers: Shalom and Balance

Shalom and balance go hand in hand because they are both exhilarating. Although they are subtly (and importantly) different, they are highly interdependent on each other and are the key to life today – the current age. If ever there was a time when we lost focus on these, it is now!

Shalom is many things and not just “peace”. It is even a feeling of fullness and deep self-awareness. It is tranquility and harmony, a total absence of discord and absolutely no cognitive dissonance. It is the most important and best state that a human being can achieve. It is simply heaven on earth.

If we have shalom it will be because of our level of balance in life. The cons is applicable.

Balance is what is missing in much of today’s life; it is much more than just “work-life balance”. It is that and more. It’s also about autonomy and being (being able to be held) responsible. A balanced life uses time wisely and considers the various priorities and impacts of time; it is a “focused life”. Protect our accessibility. It is self-empowering to be able to do things right, all the time. Consistently high performance. Protects and enhances vitality.

Relationship enhancers: trust and respect

Trust and Respect also go hand in hand and are last before Wisdom and are both relational. Again, these are highly interdependent on each other; if you don’t respect people, trust is not regained in those relationships. If you don’t trust someone, they are unlikely to respect you; it is a very reciprocal arrangement.

Trust is the love that never fails and the pursuit of goodness. It is the grace to forgive and forget, the gratitude in all things and the acceptance of the things that cannot be changed. It is also detachment from one’s own desires, openness to all good things, a call to perseverance, and it is also never losing hope.

Respect is seeking justice and righteousness, sincerity and honoring all people; it is listening to more than would normally be expected, as well as unquestionable integrity, driven by humility, compassion, empathy and justice, at any cost; it is consideration when it is due, and even sometimes when it is not, and tolerance for all people; is to be socially intelligent.

Not the “Media”; It is the end and purpose of life itself: wisdom

Finally, wisdom is separated as unique and special. Nothing is like wisdom. Wisdom is true; the way things is it so. Wisdom and truth are synonymous and very interchangeable.

The truth is wisdom; longevity based on the truth – it always works – being based on it. Striving for health and well-being, true health based on the correct fear of God, seeking to understand more than to be understood. It is both eternal and transitory in perspective; it is the totality of true perspective. It is a true curiosity and a true appreciation of beauty and excellence.

Wisdom is as wide as life, and many would suggest that it is infinitely broader than that.

We look at wisdom from a mere life perspective, However. (We only take into account this aspect of wisdom. Theologically and practically, wisdom is as broad as “Creation”). Wisdom provides the three keys[1] to the life: long life and its associated benefits, prosperity in its different forms, and honor, which is your name, fame and reputation, is what you will take to heaven; the only thing perhaps.

So this philosophy is the answer to the question: “What is truth?” Because when all is said and done, there is only one thing that matters: living by the truth. Did you or did you not? That will be the question they will ask you. Even at 11 o’clock you may not have been, but what counts is the end. Will you finish strong?

Applying these seven core values ​​can catapult anyone to the growth and character development they seek. only For the truth; reality at any cost, even at the expense of the individual in question. Because there is something more important than personal comfort and tranquility; pleases God. You can only come to know real peace, joy, and love through a relationship with God.

What is the truth? This question is, in my opinion, the key to the purpose of life; a life, again in my opinion, that is only available through a true Spirit-filled relationship with Jesus Christ; Only he can effectively answer our most intimate questions and satisfy our deepest longings.

With him, and only with him, the truth is available; truth that finally and powerfully sets us free.

© 2008 Steven John Wickham. All rights reserved throughout the world.

[1] See Proverbs 3:21, 16; 21:21; 22: 4.