Recently a friend told me he was struggling with a specific behavior. I fight this same behavior and now faced a dilemma. Should I pretend I am more spiritual than my friend? Or should I tell him the truth about my struggle? Without pondering my choice, I told him about my issue because one of my core values is vulnerability.

Core values are similar to an apple tree. Each part of the tree represents a different aspect of core values. In the last post we discussed how the root system is similar to the various sources of core values. But the rest of the tree also has parallels to core values.

BASE (What you building your life on)
The base of the tree supports the rest of the tree. If it’s faulty or erodes, the tree will eventually fall to the ground. What is it that you’re building your life on? Unless your firm foundation is Jesus Christ, you eventually will falter and fail.

TRUNK (You)
The trunk is the main part of the tree; it’s the part everyone sees. The tree trunk is you. Someone has said, “Everywhere I go, there I am.” People are watching you to see if your actions match your words. How are you doing in building your life around 3 to 5 core values?

BRANCHES (You core values)
The branches represent your various core values. They flow from who you are as a person - your essential character. Like tree branches, your core values are extensions of yourself - either healthy and growing or unhealthy and dying.

THE APPLES (The fruit of your life)
The apples are similar to the “fruit” of your life. My first house had an apple tree in the backyard that was actually 3 different types grafted together. Unfortunately, the root system began to damage the foundation of the garage. I cannot tell a lie; I cut down the apple tree. About a year later the former homeowner knocked on the front door and asked if she could see her pride and joy - the apple tree. Ahh … Oops!

The fruit of your core values comes in three different forms grafted together. First, your fruit is the number of people you’ve told about Jesus Christ. Are you sharing Christ with others?

Second, your fruit is the evidence in your life of key character qualities - love; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; gentleness; and self-control (Galatians 6:23-24). Are these qualities becoming more evident in your life?

Finally, your fruit is the impact you’re having on others as you live out your calling - the unique ministry assignment God has given to you. Are you making a difference for Christ with your one and only life?

In the next post we’ll examine a process for identifying your core values.

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