Clearly, being a Christian is more than being born again, not dressing like the opposite sex, or believing in one God. Those are certainly a part, but not the entirety. Being a Christian should envelop one’s life. My Christian experience is therefore somehow related to everything I am or do. Obviously it takes a lot of living to get all the wrinkles ironed out, but the end goal is “complete in Christ” and to "walk even as He walked” (Colossian 2:10, 1 John 2:6).

The process of becoming Christ-like is simplified when one recognizes the comprehensive nature of the philosophy of Christ. There is a comprehensive mental approach to this thing. There is a set of basic principles or concepts underlying the particular sphere of Christian knowledge. These concepts can be systematically examined – have been in many cases – to produce concrete and distinguishable morays and principles attendant to Christ-likeness.

A set of values is at the heart of this philosophy. Values are commonly defined as the accepted principles or standards of a person or a group. Common examples are “family values,” “conservative values,” or “green values.” The issue is not having values though. Everyone has values of one nature or another. The philosophy of Christ has biblical values, apostolic values, or Christ-like values.

For values to become a part of our unconscious life and lived in our conscious one – the goal – we need to understand them, embrace them, and daily cultivate our ability to live them. Belief is not the issue. Defending them publicly is not the issue. Living them consistently is the issue. To do so, one must understand, embrace, and cultivate the philosophy of Christ.

Setting up a framework for my values simplifies the learning and adaption process. Let me suggest the following beginning. We need to have;

o Personal values relating to how we manage our private lives and personal business
o Spiritual values relating to our walk with God
o Relational values relating to how we interact with other people
o Financial values relating to our responsibilities as stewards of God’s provisions
o Family values relating to how we handle our familial roles and responsibilities
o Ministry values relating to how we conduct our personal ministry

This framework allows one to begin articulating his or her values concerning each of these overarching concepts. For example, one might say regarding ministry that he or she believes it is critical that every believer fulfills his or her calling within the body of Christ. Or, one might say regarding familial values that he or she believes that Christian communities can only thrive when the family units that make up the fellowship are pleasing God and resemble the biblical model for family.

The Psalmist said it best, Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts... Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should” (Psalms 119:1-7 (NLT).