How can we know what God values?
God has revealed his value system, although many have
misunderstood or misrepresented it. Only through an
examination of the Gospel of the Kingdom can we know
God's value system. We must be very sure we
understand the Gospel without adding or subtracting
from it, because if we fail to clearly comprehend the
teachings of Jesus, we will be severely hindered in
knowing and becoming like him.
The Gospel is the model for all relationships.
Relationships are based on what you have in common with another
person, whether family, work, hobbies, or religion. Truly knowing a
person, including God, is entirely dependent on knowing what that
person values; and deepening relationship requires agreement and
unity in what you value most. In order to have a good and meaningful
relationship with someone, you must hold in common that which is
most important to you. This is no different in our relationship with
God.
Relationship with God must be based on our adopting values that are
like his, and removing from our lives anything we value that he does
not. The only measure of Christian growth in Christ-likeness is how
much we have become like him in terms of value system. Therefore,
we must be sure we truly understand what God values. If we
misunderstand God's value system, then we misunderstand who he
is. If we do not know what God values, then we cannot be sure that
we are even becoming like him.