Rooted Values

Years ago, Taco Bell started selling delicious double decker tacos, which consist of a hard shell normal taco, surrounded by a soft tortilla, making it a double layer taco. As I sat eating this taco one day, I pondered this idea of this taco being hard on the inside, and soft on the outside. Being the thinker that I am, I came to the conclusion that I want to be like this taco. I want to be hard and firm in my convictions and values, but compassionate and soft when it comes to my interactions with others.

This idea ties into my deep values and convictions. The 4 key values that shape myself are truth, authenticity, fun, and compassion.

Truth-----> In a culture where truth is seen by some to be relative, I have a deep belief that absolute truth comes from the Lord and is for our joy and the glory of the Lord. As someone that is going into youth ministry, I believe that it is important to teach young people Gods truth about who he is, who they are, and how they view the world in light of who God is. This truth will help them to discern truth from the lies that are trying to take a hold of their hearts.

Authenticity----> Growing up, my dad used to collect Star Wars action figures. Star Wars had the rights and license to produce the real and authentic action figures that were in such high demand. But other countries that were not regulated would produce figures that were fake or "knock-offs." In these figures, the quality was poor, the colors were off, and they were worth almost nothing. The value of being real and authentic is one that is close to my heart. I believe that there are so many things that people try to hide behind. Whether it is there image, makeup, phones, shame, or achievements, I believe that these "knockoffs" keep people from having real and honest relationship. My goal as a youth leader is to break down walls and to foster vulnerability and create safe place for authentic relationships.

Fun-----> I went on a houseboat trip this last summer. I was in charge of all of the freshman boat. As we were moving to a new location on the houseboat, I was sitting on the top of the houseboat with one of my girls. With our feet hanging off the side of the houseboat and the beautiful setting, we had the funnest conversation about Harry Potter, butter beer (no alcohol, don't worry), superheroes, and Star Wars. This conversation lastest about 45 minutes before she abruptly told me about a deep struggle that she had. I helped her to the best of my ability and loved on her through that struggle. But I found it so interested that we needed to establish the basis of fun in order for her to open up. She needed love in the small, fun stuff before she felt comfortable accepting love in the big stuff.

Compassion------> The treatment of Zaccheus by Jesus is a prime example of the kind of compassion that I want to foster in my own life. Zaccheus was a tax collector, and he was unclean in the sight of the Pharisees. I can imagine the Pharisees telling him over and over again that he needed to repent from his wicked life and change. But that never led Zaccheus to repentance. What led Zaccheus to repentance was when Jesus sat at the same table as him. By sitting at the same table, Jesus risked his own purity and cleanliness in the sight of the Pharisees. And Zaccheus was shocked that Jesus had shown him such compassion, grace, and love by eating with him. And thats what led Zaccheus to repentance. Jesus compassion, full of truth, led Zaccheus to turn away from his former life towards a life with Jesus.

#values #convictions #Christian #doubledeckertaco