What are good family values to have?

by Ann Scott

In today's world we need to have some family values, and we need to teach these values to our children. Family values are just as important today as they were in days gone by, or possibly more so, since many people do not, seemingly, have these necessary values. The most important values, in my opinion, are honesty, loyalty, courtesy, obedience, respect, and concern for other people's feelings.

When I was growing up, my parents always taught me, first of all, obedience and respect for them and for all my elders. I was taught to say please, and thank you. These are respectful phrases that will let others know that they are important, too. Everyone needs to feel that they are a part of the human community, therefore, we as human beings need to show courtesy and kindness to others to help them feel a part.

Most of the time, it is the way people are treated in society that makes them do some of the terrible things that they do. Of course, their childhood rearing plays a big part, also.
You might say, how does having these values help me? Let me try to explain some of the ways. First of all, when you help others and treat them right, it makes you feel good about yourself. You feel better, then when you are kind of others it makes them feel better, so all are happier individuals. When you do kind things to other people, it makes them more prone to do good things to others.

I think that a child should be taught respect for their elders because there are will always be people who are older than you are, and those folks deserve our respect. They have lived life and suffered all the hardships that we are going through, already. Many times they have no one to care for and love them, and if we are kind to them it will place a smile on their face. I, for one, had rather be around someone with a nice smile than to have to be around an old grouch. I think that most folks feel that way, also, if they will be honest.

Obedience should be taught, also, because there is always going to be someone that you will, more or less, need to listen to and follow their instructions. If you ever have to work on a public job, more than likely you will have someone who is in a position that is above yours. You will have to listen to what he/she tells you to do if you expect to keep your job. A child who has never been taught to be obedient will not be able to function in society as they ought to.

Honesty is another value that is very important. Do youenjoy dealing with people who are very quick to tell you that they will do something, but never carry it out. It won't be long until you won't believe anything that they tell you. Honesty and loyalty go hand in hand. Loyalty involves keeping your word no matter what, or being sure to let the other person know why you can't. I have had people tell me they would meet me somewhere at a certain time, or that they would do a certain thing, and then they did not keep their word and never even let me know why they didn't. It is frustrating, to say the least, and it makes you feel as if they didn't think that your time was very important. Trust is very important between individuals, and you soon learn who you can and who you can't place your confidence in.

I believe that it is very important that everyone learn to be caring and concerned about other people. When we show concern for others we are showing concern for God and his word. God loves everyone, so therefore we are required, by Him, to love others. In fact, His word teaches us to love even our enemies and to do good to them.

If we want friends we must be a friend. We were created to need the fellowship and friendship of other people. We do not have to like everyone's ways and we do not have to be friends with everyone but we must treat all people with respect if we expect to be able to communicate with and live in harmony with other people. There are all types of personalities, and many do not get along well, but I believe that if we are kind and considerate of others, we will be able to at least tolerate one another, without major problems, for the times that we must be in each other's company.