Here is a quick review of the core values that should be shared by people that call themselves Christians. First, the amazing beauty and order or the creation that is richly displayed before mankind as well as the meaning of the human life, short, fragile, but so rich, all shows the hand of the Creator. Then, the relationship between an individual and his Creator determines the spiritual future of that individual as well as his interractions with other persons. That's why the basic values expressed below have all several meanings and implications: between man and God as well as between mens themselves.
Before all, Christians must acknowledge their weakness, and recognize, with humility, that as humans, they are not always up to these values...
Ex 20:20; Josh 4:24; Ps 2:11; Ps 24:1; Ecc 8:12; Jer 10:6-7; Mt 22:37; Heb 12:28
Christians must always have the highest view of God. Their worship must be centered on Him, on knowing Him, and loving Him with all their heart. They must exalt the glory of God the Almighty Who created the universe, which includes every single person. Because God is so great, so infinite in wisdom, love, righteousness, power, glory, and holiness, all people should draw near to Him.
Ps 42:1-4; Ps 63:1; Is 55:1; Jn 4:14-15; Js 4:8; Rev 21:6
God has given mankind His Word (the Bible). Christians must always have the highest view of it and be burning with desire to read it as a way to know Him better. They should thirst for His presence in their lives, as well as thirst for His Word, in truth, seeking Him and looking for a deeper understanding of His will as revealed in the Bible.
Ps 1:2; Ps 19:7-11; Ps 37:31; Pr 28:7; Lk 16:17; Jn 14:15
Christians who value God's Word must submit to the authority of His commands in their daily lives. They recognize His Word is perfect, eternal, restoring the soul, and reveals the glory and righteousness of God. The light of His law enables them to discern good from evil, showing what God expects of them, and it becomes a blessing to those who pursue righteousness.
Ex 20:1-17; 1 Ki 8:46; Ps 14:1-3; Ecc 7:20; Rm 3:9-18,23; 1 Jn 1:8,10; 1 Jn 3:4
Christians recognize that everyone is a sinner, having violated God's commands (see the Ten Commandments Challenge). Therefore, all rightly deserve God's wrath, and will have to face His righteous judgment. All must realize they have a sinful nature that constantly offends God by their sins and that they are guilty in their thoughts, words, and deeds. Their conscience reminds them of this sad reality (they are sinners) and they must not ignore this, but repent before God and ask for mercy.
Ps 2:7; Ps 89:26-27; Is 53; Jn 3:16; Acts 13:39; Rm 1:3-4; Rm 8:1-3; Gal 4:4-5
In acknowledging their sin, Christians recognize Christ is the Messiah announced in the Old Testament, the Son of God, God Himself, coming in the flesh as the perfect, sacrificial atonement for sin. They understand there is no way to fulfill God's perfect justice except in Jesus Christ, Who paid the price for their sin. By faith they believe He triumphed over death by His resurrection on the third day after His sacrificial death. Out of gratitude for what Christ did, Christians submit their lives to Him.
Rm 8:29; Rm 12:1-2; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-24; Php 1:9-11; 1 Jn 3:2
God conforms Christians to the likeness of His Son, Jesus, and as they renew their minds they are transformed. Bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives must be their humble desire. This fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. They must also give testimony of the ministry of Christ by loving even their enemies (like Christ loved sinners when they rejected Him), by being servants of others (like He came to serve and give His life), by being humble (like the Son of God who was born in a manger), and by being merciful and compassionate (like Christ is compassionate toward sinners).
Of course, Christians have times of trial and weakness in their lives, and times of not measuring up to such a high standard. But in seeking God sincerely, confessing sins, repenting in tears and looking to Christ, He will restore them and give them strength and maturity in faith.
A short summary of the Christian faith could be the following: