Monday Memo 1232: Purpose and Values

Purpose gives you direction; values give you boundaries. Purpose tells you what you’re called to do; values shape how you do it. Without both, you risk success without substance—achieving goals while losing yourself in the process. True purpose cannot stand apart from godly values because the way you live matters just as much as what you accomplish.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was not just that they would discern their calling, but that they would remain pure and blameless as they pursued it. In other words, he wanted their lives to reflect the character of Christ as much as His commission. Purpose is your mission; values are your moral compass. When you live by both, your life becomes a trustworthy representation of the God you serve.

In my years of teaching about purpose, I’ve met many talented people who knew what they wanted to do but lost their way because they didn’t know who they wanted to be. Gifts can take you places that character cannot sustain. That’s why God often focuses first on developing your values before expanding your influence. He’s more interested in who you’re becoming than in what you’re achieving. Purpose may open doors, but values determine whether you can stay there.

Paul modeled this integration of purpose and values in Acts 20 when he reminded the elders of Ephesus, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold… I worked hard with my own hands to help the weak.” His values—humility, integrity, and generosity—defined how he lived out his calling. Paul’s ministry wasn’t just powerful because of what he did; it was pure because of how he did it.

God knows how to prepare you so that what He gives you—the place He assigns you—won’t destroy you. That is why I didn’t speak publicly for eleven years, even though I knew that was part of my destiny. It is also why I struggled financially for many years. Like David in the wilderness, God was shaping me long before releasing me into what was ahead. At the time, I thought I understood where God was taking me, but I didn’t. Much of that season was devoted to forming my values—especially how to treat people. That commitment to honoring others became a governing principle of my leadership, refined and clarified through times when I myself was mistreated, overlooked, or ignored.

Think of purpose and values as two sides of the same coin. Purpose motivates you to pursue your mission; values keep your motives pure. When you know your values, you no longer have to debate every decision. They act as internal guardrails, freeing you from the exhaustion of compromise. You don’t need to pray about whether to tell the truth, serve others, or act with humility—those are already settled issues when your values are rooted in God’s Word.

Purpose also matures as your values deepen. Early in your journey, you may focus on achievement—completing goals, writing books, leading teams. But as you grow, you realize that how you lead matters more than how much you accomplish. Jesus didn’t just fulfill His mission; He embodied His Father’s heart. His purpose was redemptive, but His values—love, humility, obedience—revealed the true nature of God. The cross was both the fulfillment of purpose and the expression of perfect values.

Your values are revealed in what you consistently choose. They show up in how you treat people, how you handle money, and how you respond to pressure. When your values are grounded in Scripture, they anchor you in seasons of success and sustain you in times of struggle. Purpose can propel you into the spotlight, but values keep you steady under its heat.

So as you walk in your purpose, don’t just ask, “What am I called to do?” Ask also, “What kind of person am I becoming?” God cares about both. When purpose and values walk hand in hand, your life will not only make an impact—it will also bring Him glory.

Reflection Questions

1. What core values guide your decisions and behavior? Are they clearly defined and consistent?

2. When have you faced a decision where your values were tested, and how did you respond?

3. How might aligning your purpose more intentionally with your values bring greater peace and effectiveness?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me both purpose and principles to live by. Help me to align my actions with Your truth so that my calling reflects Your character. Strengthen my integrity, deepen my humility, and fill me with courage to honor You in every choice I make. Amen.

Application

Take time this week to identify your top five core values—qualities such as integrity, compassion, excellence, faithfulness, and humility. Write them down and evaluate whether your daily choices reflect them. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you’ve drifted, or where you need more work, and commit to living out your purpose with consistent character according to your values. True fulfillment comes when what you do and who you are move upward in the same direction.