How can I cultivate godly values?

Genesis 39:8-9But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. . . . How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

We are to refuse to value the kind of life choices the Bible says are worthless or dangerous to our long-term well-being. To obey God’s word is to align our values with God’s values. As Joseph demonstrated, this principle becomes true in our lives in situations where we are being tempted.

Psalm 15:1-5Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.

Micah 6:8No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 7:12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Godly living simply means valuing what God values. If we want godly values, we need God living within us. He promises that his Holy Spirit will literally live in us if we ask. The Holy Spirit will help us value what is truly important and demonstrate those values in our lives.

Psalm 92:12-15The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Godly living is described here as a life lived “in the Lord’s own house” or in a conscious awareness of God’s presence, no matter what the season. It includes a consistent recognition of God’s holy character and personal interest.