Getting in touch with your value systems starts with pen, paper

We all live our lives based on our values. These values can be selfish, or they can be based on the teachings of Christ. A selfish value might be “looking out for number one,” whereas a Christian value might be “treating others as you would want to be treated.”

On the surface, it is not always clear to us whether our value system is selfish or unselfish. However, it becomes easier to judge when our values are written out on paper. Do they promote self interest rather than the common good? Do they conform to the values of the world or the teachings of Christ?

Years ago, National Public Radio started a program called “This I Believe.” They invited listeners to submit their beliefs in writing, and they chose one a week to be recorded on the air. I submitted my beliefs but was not chosen.

Here are some of my beliefs:

I believe in a God of life, love and goodness who has blessed me abundantly. In the midst of evil, I believe in the goodness of creation and the power of good over evil. I believe that God connects everything and everyone, and that true spirituality is connecting everything in God. To see the connectedness I must pause to reflect.

I believe the original sinfulness of human beings is to try to live without God. I strive to fight this tendency within myself and allow God to be God.

I believe what St. Paul said many years ago, “With God on our side, who can be against us?” I believe that God has sent special people into my life who love me and bring out the best in me.

I believe that to be truly alive we must take risks. Jesus was right when he says, “For those who want to save (hold on to) their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives for my sake will find them.”

I believe in loving people, not using them. I believe that happiness is not in accumulations of possessions, but in sharing life with others.

On Jan. 18, seven-year-old Tarak McLain from Austin, Texas gave us 30 of his beliefs. This was originally part of a kindergarten project in which the teacher asked the students to bring in 100 things that were important to them. NPR asked him to reduce them to 30.

Here are his selections:

I believe life is good. I believe God is in everything. I believe we’re all equal. I believe we can help people. I believe everyone is weird in their own way. I believe hate is a cause for love.

I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful. I believe we should be generous.

I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other. I believe kids should respect their parents.

I believe I should not whine. I believe people should wake up early. I believe people should go outside more. I believe in nature. I believe people should use fewer trees. I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals. I believe people shouldn’t throw litter on the ground. I believe people should not smoke. I believe God is in good and bad.

I believe in magic. I believe people should not give up. I believe love is everywhere. I believe that God helps us to have a good time. I believe we live best in a community. I believe we can protect people in danger. I believe we should help the poor. I believe it’s OK to die but not to kill.

I believe war should not have started. I believe war should stop. I believe we can make peace.

I hope young Tarak inspires you to write out your own values and get in touch with your value system.