The Spirit of Our Values

“Action is the language of the body and should harmonize with the spirit within.” ~Cicero

I used to think the most important part about being a Christian was believing all of the right things, and then the right actions would naturally flow from this belief system. In recent years, I’ve realized God not only cares about our values but also about the spirit of those values.

The best Biblical example that comes to mind is the Pharisees. They adhered to a high moral standard that, rather than making them more humble and gentle, became a cause to condemn and criticize others. Even though they endorsed the virtuous principles of the Christian faith, they gained a reputation for being pedantic and legalistic. This is because many viewed themselves as assiduous defenders of the law rather than sinners who needed God’s grace just as much as everyone else.

Today, this can look like people having all the right words, but lacking sincerity, authenticity, and gentleness. When we share our beliefs with others, we need to ask: Am I trying to share the joy of a life lived for Jesus, or simply win an argument? It can look like someone doing something kind and posting about it on social media. Are they doing it because it’s the right thing to do or for the social accolades it may bring? While God looks at our beliefs and actions, He cares about the state of our hearts, even regarding charity. From 2 Corinthians 9:7: 

“You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”

Many of us may think the action of giving is all that matters when it comes to charity, but God also cares about the state of our hearts when we give. Is it out of guilt? Compulsion? Expectation? Or does it flow from a heart of gratitude over what God has done for us? The motive behind the action matters just as much as the action itself. Seneca echoes this sentiment in his book Moral Letters: “Nothing is noble if it’s done unwillingly or under compulsion. Every noble deed is voluntary.” Seneca even goes so far as to suggest that an ill intent behind an action nullifies any nobility the action may have created.

Our beliefs and actions may head-fake us into thinking we have it all figured out, but it’s important to look deeper and discover the why behind what we say and do because it can tell us a lot about the state of our hearts. God cares about our beliefs and actions, but He wants our hearts to be in line with them too.

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