Do You Know What Your Values and Priorities Are?

An interview with Daniel Ramlogan. Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Executive.

We live in an upside-down world, surrounded by constant noise. Yet in the midst of that noise, having a clear grasp of our values and priorities helps us walk in step with Jesus – not racing ahead of Him, nor falling behind. We must trust His plan for our lives.

The question, “Do you know what your values and priorities are?” is one each of us must face, especially if we want to stand firm in the challenges of today’s world. We will be tested. And in those tests, only those who can clearly articulate and hold to their values will remain grounded in their faith – doing what is right, especially when it’s not easy. For many business leaders, the pull of urgency is a relentless battle, tempting us to respond to what feels pressing instead of what is most important. The key to perseverance? Abiding in God daily, intentionally, through prayer and time in His Word.

Dan’s Story

Raised in an immigrant family from the Caribbean, Dan was taught early to pursue financial success and seize every opportunity whether in education, business, or personal growth. That mindset fueled his entrepreneurial drive. But when he came to know Christ in his early twenties – around the same time he was starting his career – he began to realize that conversations around mission, vision, and values must be consistent between our work life and faith life.

But the path wasn’t without its pitfalls. As opportunities multiplied and timelines tightened, Dan found himself facing a recurring struggle: moving too quickly, driven by urgency, without pausing to consult God. The result? Progress, yes – but out of sync with God’s timing and priorities. It became clear that without a firm grasp on his spiritual values, he risked letting the pursuit of worldly success overshadow the call to serve. That realization marked a turning point.

Reading Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream by David Platt helped recalibrate Dan’s priorities. Its core question, What is Jesus worth to you? challenged him deeply. Would he be willing to leave behind comfort, financial security, even relational ease, for the sake of the gospel? The book’s message echoed his growing conviction: that living uprightly in an upside-down world means choosing obedience over convenience, and aligning success with surrender. only as you submit to God’s will, laying down your own will, that you will truly succeed in pleasing God’s heart.

An Illustration from Dan: His first business, a web development firm, was situated near an adult learning centre. One of the biggest hurdles many new immigrants faced was a lack of Canadian work experience, especially in tech. Sensing both the need and opportunity, Dan launched an internship program for newcomers with a technology background.

The program required time and effort but the fruit was undeniable. Interns gained valuable experience and sometimes landed jobs within the company. More than just a pipeline for employment, the program became a place where friendships formed and community blossomed. Dan used holidays like Christmas and Easter as an opportunity to share gospel messages in the context of food, fellowship, and genuine care. Some interns responded with open hearts.

Twenty years later, it remains a beautiful reminder that when we live out our values, blessings don’t just flow; they keep flowing.

Biblical Principles

Character over Comfort: Micah 6:8 highlights priorities of justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates valuing compassion over convenience.

People over Possessions: Relationships are a high priority in Scripture. Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39). 1 John 3:17 reminds us that love must be shown in action, not just words.

Purpose over Distraction: Biblical priorities keep believers focused on God’s mission: making disciples (Matthew 28:19–20), doing good works (Ephesians 2:10), and glorifying God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31). Abiding matters. We are taught to abide in Christ the way a branch abides in a vine (John 15:4).

In conclusion, Dan warns that our willingness to boldly shine as a Christian is more of a challenge in today’s world than it was twenty ago in Canada. For example, it was not well received when he was asked to add pronoun labels to his email signature and refused. But he prefers to obey Jesus as his ultimate CEO than try to bend to social and political pressures.

Ultimately, quality of life is all about drawing closer to God’s heart, abiding in His call, obeying biblical principles and maintaining a close fellowship with God. Jesus is worthy!  Choosing to do what’s right in God’s sight in an upside-down world is always worth the price, at any cost to ourselves and our comfort. Jesus’ uprightness confronts and confounds what this world promotes as the best way to live.

“Connecting Your Sunday Faith to Your Monday Work” The Canadian Christian Business Federation exists to support business leaders in the study and application of Biblical Leadership Principles with peers, in order to transform lives, strengthen businesses, and positively influence and impact our world. ccbf.org

Nancy Kingdon is an author and freelance writer proudly serving CCBF ministries as their Story Writer.  Her newest book release in March 2025 is Magnolia Grace Gardens: A Collection of Devotional Poetry. Visit her website at: writinglegacy.com