Core values are the beliefs and practices that shape how your family lives, decides, and connects. The question is: who are those values shaping you into? If you aren't intentional about values, your family can drift from what matters most.
Clearly articulating your core values prevents drift as a family. So, how do you know if you are choosing good ones? Good family core values have four characteristics: they are biblical, actionable, heartfelt, and memorable.
Let’s dive into the four characteristics of core values a bit more below.
Family values rooted in the world are easily shaken. But when you tie your values back to Scripture, you anchor them to God's story and purpose. Values rooted in God's Word hold steady like an anchor. They are long-lasting, and aligned with His purpose for your family. Look for a value that ties to a Scripture that is already meaningful to your family as a great place to start.
Setting values is a lot like setting goals. When you set a goal, whether big or small, you want it to be something that you can start taking steps towards. Start with values you can begin living out in small ways now, and choose ones that will change the way you operate as a family. If it doesn't change behavior, it won't be a good value.
Are there any values that you feel God has placed on your heart as a family? Values that you hope to be true of your family 100 years from now? God has put these on your heart for a purpose. Your values reflect what your family stands for, how you live, what guides your decisions, and how you connect with the world around you. So good core values need to be personal to live out God’s unique purpose for your family.
Values take root through repetition. The ones a family keeps for years are short and easily recitable, which is how they move from something you've written down to something your children carry forward on their own.
One family recently shared this testimonial: "We were introduced to Legacy Stone a year ago, and we immediately began teaching our four-year-old son about our family values. It took him a few months of practice before he could recite our five family values, but now we regularly hear him recognizing these values in decisions we make. We take every opportunity to celebrate when he exemplifies our family values."
Aim for three to five values, each short and clear. Keep repeating them together, and see how it becomes a part of the way you live.
Understanding what makes a good core value is the start. Defining them and living them out is what makes them last. So as a next step, don’t forget that values take shape when they're practiced often and woven into your daily rhythms. Try hanging them where your family can see them, talking about them often, and reflecting together on the moments you've lived them out.
The ways you're intentional about practicing values today will help build that lasting foundation.
-
Looking for more guidance when it comes to setting your family values? Our Values in Action kit will help you: