Where do you place value?

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

Have you ever paused to think about what you value? It is interesting that what one person values in life may be completely valueless to another. It is easy for most to see the value in money, investments, and possessions. But what about those things in life that have value but do not have a $ sign in front of them? I always enjoy reflecting on King Solomon’s request of God to give him wisdom so that he could rule over God’s people with excellence. In the authoritarian structure of a kingdom, the king did not have to worry about the approval of the people for the next election.? The king was given the ultimate power to do as he pleased. However, King Solomon desired to be a great leader. As a young king, he recognized that what he needed most was wisdom. Most would agree that the king’s request was mature behind his age and spoke volumes about the type of leader that he wanted to be. Solomon’s understanding of God’s capability and the benefits that wisdom would produce in the long term is a lesson for us all. King Solomon understood that applied wisdom would produce a lifetime of value far beyond one simple decision or investment.???

Proverbs 3:11 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” Finding wisdom and gaining understanding is not as easy as it sounds. Many of the hardest lessons in life come from the most painful experiences. Personal development is a lifelong process. The challenge is the older we get, the more set in our ways we become. The more stagnant we become, the less likely we are to recognize and take advantage of learning opportunities. Proverbs 15:32 says, “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” This is a tough pill to swallow, but it has certainly proved true throughout my life. The humble acknowledgment of mistakes and failures, coupled with a commitment to continuous improvement, is invaluable. This is exactly why we should focus on keeping ourselves healthy and focused long before we point the finger at others. This is easier said than done, but there is some guidance found in I Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The real value is found in things that are eternal. When our actions, words, and decisions are aligned with the wisdom found in God’s word, we are adding significant value to our present life and our future.

Albert Einstein once said, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Sometimes, in life, we are focused on the wrong things. Einstein figured out that adding value to the people around him was the very foundation of success. Focusing more on adding value daily is a much better use of our energy. There is naturally a sense of purpose and commitment when one perceives value. Adding value will strengthen our relationships and set us up for future success in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

Challenge: Do not underestimate the power of adding value. Focus on finding wisdom and gaining understanding. Be open to continuous learning and constructive feedback. Value godliness in all things. Look for the opportunity daily to add value to others.

Published: June 1, 2024