What is your primary concern in life? What is it you are pursuing above everything else? When you answer these questions, you will discover your core foundational value. The masterpiece of your life will never rise above your core foundational value, so it’s imperative your top priority be something that will last and be something of worth.
The Bible gives us direction on one value that we must get right. It’s not one I’ve made up or discovered on my own; it comes from Jesus Christ Himself, and here it is: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT) Since God is the one who has created us as masterpieces, it’s logical that we make Him and His kingdom our top priority and the foundational core value in our lives.
Two Sisters
The story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, gives us a real life snapshot of what it means to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else.” It’s found in Luke 10:38-41, and the setting is a dinner party for a very important guest, Jesus. As any good hostess worth her salt, Martha went above and beyond what was needed for her guest of honor, and she was certainly distracted by it all. You can hardly blame her.
Mary, on the other hand, spent her time sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to what He had to say. Her desire was to learn all she could from Him while He was in her home. Her primary concern was the relationship she had with Jesus. Martha, frustrated that her sister wasn’t doing anything to help her with dinner preparations, complained to Jesus. Funny, isn’t it? Here’s Martha, whining to the guest of honor about how she wasn’t getting help in preparing for whom? The guest of honor. It’s downright convoluted.
Jesus’ Response
Jesus responded to Martha’s complaint: “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Jesus confirmed Mary’s value was right and good—and properly prioritized. Seeking Him and His Kingdom above all else was her primary concern, and according to Jesus, it must be ours as well.
It’s A Matter Of Choice
Establishing your foundational core value for your Life Palette is absolutely essential. You face value choices every day in your life. If your life is out of balance or even out of control, and you know it’s not looking like the masterpiece God created you to be, take a look at your foundational core value and how you are living it out. What choices are you making daily that are not in line with this core value?
Next Steps For Your Core Foundational Value:
- What would you say you are living as the core foundational value of your life?
- Take a moment and answer these 2 questions: What is your primary concern in life? What is it you are pursuing above everything else?
- Is there anything on your Life Palette you believe could prove harmful if you continue to value it? What is it and what do you need to do about them right now?
