Top 5 values

These are my top 5 values. I shall connect bible verses to each one as a firm reminder and alignment to God.

1. Freedom

Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:16)

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6)

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Freedom is most important to me. Being the youngest child in my family, an in-house designer and living with chronic illness means spending all my life laying aside my own needs (e.g. opinions, preferences, values) to obey everybody else's words like they're God's commands. This include enduring verbal abuse at home to not get kicked out, designing according to colleagues' taste to avoid blame, conforming to doctors' instructions to avoid extra tests etc. The freedom I experience only exists in my own mind, hence my rich inner life and the longing for a physical environment to feel free. I will never bow down to mere humans rules and laws anymore.

2. Truth

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32)

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:13-15)

Truth is uncomfortable to hear for sure, but it is the only key thats sets the heart free and allow complete healing. Dare to confront and speak the truth even if you're afraid. Truth > people-pleasing everytime.

3. Love

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (Corinthians 13:1)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (Corinthians 13:4-7)

4. Independence

"We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you." (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8)

5. Ambition

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23–24)

And here's a reminder to myself when my ambitious gets overboard:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)