VALUES

WORK VALUE – PURSUING SOMETHING IMPORTANT AND MEANINGFUL

Let’s go back to the story of Daniel. In Daniel 6:1-4, Daniel is an older man, he was one of
the three leaders that worked under King Darius, in fact he “was first”. His work was
excellent, there was no “error or fault found in him”. In other words, he had Integrity
(value). The men who disliked Daniel arrested him because of his Spirituality (value), “an
excellent spirit was in him”, and thus caused him to be cast in the lion’s den. As he was
cast into the den, the King said to Daniel “Thy God whom thou Servest continually, he will
deliver thee” Dan 6:16. The next morning King Darius found Daniel alive in the lion’s den.
“Then said Daniel unto the king, O King, live forever, my God hath sent His angel and hath
shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency
was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt”. Dan 6:21, 22.

(A value – a principle or standard of behaviour; what is deemed important to you; so

Daniel’s two important values – Integrity and Spirituality). What are your values?

Look the list of Values given below, read each one carefully, then write out the three that
best suit you.

1. Self-Improvement: Having continued opportunity and resources for enhancing

personal abilities and interests.

2. Achievement: Being successful, reaching desired goals.

3. Creativity: Being free to try original and new things, procedures, and ideas, or to
express yourself in any of the creative media, such as the performing arts,
art/design, fashion, or the culinary arts.

4. Use of Skills: Having the opportunity to make full use of your most highly developed
talents.

5. Variety: Performing varied tasks that are not amenable to routine solutions.

6. Supervisory Relations (Autonomy): Having considerable freedom to decide how to

execute your responsibilities.

7. Adventure, Risk, Excitement: Participating in activities that have above-average risk.

8. Physical Activity: Engaging in activities that require the active use of your body.

9. Leadership: Having a recognized influence over others, either formally or informally.

10. Helping Others: Contributing directly and obviously to the welfare of other
individuals.

11. Prestige: being accorded honour and esteem by significant persons.

12. Aesthetics: Having an appreciation for beautiful things and surroundings.

13. Associates: Having frequent contact with colleagues who share your goals and
outlook.

14. Security: Being free of uncertainty (physically, economically, and personally).

15. Money: Having or accumulating sizable financial resources.

16. Balance: Having time to pursue personal, family, and community activities.

17. Family: Providing for the needs and desires of your dependents.

18. Spirituality: Having the opportunity to practice freely all aspects of your religious
and spiritual beliefs.

Our values are also molded by our culture, religion, ethnic identity, and gender
identities.