Leviticus 27:12 English Standard Version (ESV) and the priest shall value it as either good or bad; as the priest values it, so it shall be.

We have been talking about emotional needs and feeling valued is one of those needs. It may not be on the top of most people’s lists but we must admit it can be seen in the actions of others. Artists of all different types want to be valued even if they do not receive financial rewards in what they do.

Wives want to be valued for what they do for their loved ones. Appreciation is always welcomed for a job well done. Some find self-worthy in their abilities, skilled or not. Praise in right behavior keeps a child on the right path. Criticism is destructive.

Happy is the man who can find satisfaction in his work beyond financial reward. Work just for a paycheck can lead to drudgery.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 English Standard Version (ESV) Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

A sense of worth is an ancient emotion. Do we strive to be successful or better? They are not the same. You can set goals to climb the corporate ladder or you could strive to make varsity. The drive is the same, value.

It is not what you value, it is the deeper part of you that says I am worthy. It is earnest righteousness.

1 Timothy 6:10-12 English Standard Version (ESV) ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. ¹¹ But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

John 5:30 English Standard Version (ESV) “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Volition is the neurological process of the brain in decision making.

The more common term is self-will. The common definition does not take into account the variables of cognition, emotions, and memories. The common definition says I want therefor I will. The emotional need associated with volition is a sense of control, that we are making the decision and the outcome will be determined by our effectiveness. Nothing could be further from the truth.

None of us can calculate all the variables within the decision making process. Some of us react to the emotional aspect. Some react to the cognitive aspect. Some of just do what we have always done given the circumstance.

Philippians 4:5 King James Version (KJV) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Obesity is prevalent is our society. Do you think that happened because we all eat in moderation?

How much biblical wisdom goes into our decision making process? Can we find practical real life applications from biblical wisdom? God has exampled for us every conceivable human mistake ever made and the consequences of those choices. Did we learn not to make those same mistakes or do we have to learn by suffering consequences?

Jesus surrendered His own will in favor His Father’s will. Do we seek God’s will for our lives?

Jeremiah 29:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Do our decisions reflect our beliefs?