SESSION 3: CLARIFYING YOUR CORE VALUES AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18 KJV TIO TALK IT OVER Describe the lessons and themes that emerged through looking at your past experiences. (These are the items written on purple sticky notes.) When God made you, He planted within you certain things you value deeply. They re hardwired into your heart. Through your life experiences, God has begun to make them clear to you. These are the things you would be willing to die for. They explain how you come by your personal priorities. These things are your core values. Clarify your. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8. NLT Core values in the Bible: Samuel stood for integrity. David stood for intimacy with the Father. Solomon stood for wisdom. Core values in public figures: Billy Graham stood for evangelism. Mother Theresa stood for compassion. What do you stand for? IDENTIFYING YOUR CORE VALUES: STEP one: To identify your core values, it may help to ask yourself three questions: 1. What stirs righteous inside of you? 2. What brings you or gives you joy? 3. What does your personal tell you about your core values? 11
STEP two: Circle the core values that may apply to you. Add others that come to mind if they are not listed here. Accountability Excellence Kindness Self-discipline Attitude Faith Knowing God Selflessness Authenticity Faithfulness Leadership Servant Leadership Boldness Family Learning Servanthood Character Fellowship Loyalty Steadfastness Collaboration Generosity Mercy Stewardship Compassion Gentleness Obedience Submission Confidence Godliness Openness Teachable Courage Goodness Order Teamwork Creativity Grace Passion Thankfulness Dedication Gratefulness Patience Transparency Devotion Growth Peace Trustworthiness Discipleship Honesty Perseverance Truth Discipline Honor Personal Growth Unity Discovery Hope Prayer Wisdom Diversity Humility Purity Worship Efficiency Humor Relationships Zeal Encouragement Integrity Reliability Endurance Intimacy Respect Enthusiasm Joy Sacrifice Evangelism Justice Self-control 12
STEP three: Narrow it down. Now that you have circled the values that apply to you, pray and ask God to guide you as you narrow this list down even further. Consider the values you have identified so far: Can you see how your past experiences relate to each of these values? Is there anything missing? Which of these values have actually been displayed in the last 90 days? Would the people closest to you recognize these as your core values? Try to focus your list to between five and ten core values and list them in the circle below: Suggested Reading You can learn more about core values and spiritual gifts by reading pages 25 thru 51 in the book Chazown. CORE VALUES Choose one core value that is most evident in your life. Write a description of this core value: Give an example of what it looks like in your life: TIO TALK IT OVER Share your core values with someone in your group. Give an example of how one of these values has been evident in your life. 13
EMBRACE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6 NIV These gifts were given to us by God, but they are not for us. They are to be used to: 1. Serve others in the name of Christ 2. Make the world a better place Your spiritual gifts are especially chosen for the Chazown to which God is calling you. One way to identify your spiritual gifts is to complete a spiritual gifts assessment. You can find one at www.chazown.com/spiritualgifts, or you can use the assessment found in Appendix 2 at the back of this participant guide. Once you have taken the assessment, list the results here: Next, ask yourself: What are you at? What are the things that come easily to you? The answers to these questions can help you focus in and identify your spiritual gifts and talents! What activities are you drawn to? What skills have you acquired quickly? What activities energize you when you perform them? What activities make you lose track of time? 14
Finally, look at the results of your spiritual gifts assessment and the things you are especially good at. Then prayerfully ask God to help you identify what among these things are your spiritual gifts. List them in the circle to the right. SPIRITUAL GIFTS Your values and gifts are pointing toward your Chazown the very reason you are here! TIO TALK IT OVER How have you seen your spiritual gifts in action in your life? Share it with someone in your group. Suggested Reading You can learn more about core values and spiritual gifts by reading pages 25 thru 51 in the book Chazown. OYO ON YOUR OWN Review Session 3 in the participant guide. Spend time this week considering your Three Circles. Bring The Three Circles together by writing them on the diagram found on page 16 of the participant guide. Begin to examine the place where your Three Circles converge. Write down any initial thoughts that come to mind. 15
Bringing the THREE circles together: Congratulations! You have examined your past experiences. You have identified your core values and your spiritual gifts. Now look carefully at the Three Circles you have just identified for your life. You may be wondering how these three different areas relate to each other. Are you ready? Bring all Three Circles together by listing the lessons and themes from your personal timeline, your core values, and your spiritual gifts in the circles below: CORE VALUES CHAZOWN C SPIRITUAL GIFTS PAST EXPERIENCES Now, find the place where they converge. In that place where all dimensions are at full strength, where your Three Circles overlap, that is where you find your Chazown! 16