Principles for Life

Posted on by korgrocker

“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.”
Romans 7:21 NLT

Paul wrote that he had discovered a “principle of life”. And he goes onto say what it is. But it is a principle with negative connotations, that are at odds with what we would normally regard as a “principle” for life. The Bible is full of principles, advice for how life should be lived. Principles for lifting us and encouraging us when needed. Principles for keeping us on the straight and narrow path of the pilgrim’s journey through life towards our Promised Land. So we have Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. Or there is 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world”. Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be”. There are many other “principles” embedded in God’s wonderful book, the Bible.

What principles of life drive us pilgrims? It is interesting that, although many a life coach or author has written books with titles such as “30 Life Principles” or “Principles: Life and Work”, for a Christian (in my opinion) there are only two and they set the scene and underpin all other ways to live our lives. We don’t need long lists of rules or suggestions. We just need to follow the answer Jesus gave to a Jewish lawyer who was trying to trick Him with what he thought was a difficult question. We read in Matthew 22:37-40, “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments”. 

God is the only Source of principles for life. Unless principles are founded on what He has to say, then they will fall short of what we really need in life. His guidance won’t let us down.

Dear Father God. We know that You love us and care for us. Thank You for Your presence with use day by day. Amen.

Red Lines

Posted on by korgrocker

“Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked.” Psalms‬ ‭43:1‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

What is my cause? What am I so deeply committed to that I am prepared to defend it no matter the cost? Some principle that has a red line, across which I cannot cross and which I believe the society around me shouldn’t cross either? Or a stand I am taking in the work place against dubious practices?  In the business realm, dodgy practices abound with the hope that a quick buck can be made, or that the taxman won’t find out. In the world of relationships marriage has been redefined. Even the God-created male and female genders have been replaced by many more. In our Western societies there is an “anything goes” mentality. “If it feels good then just do it” is applied across all demographics and age groups. But such is the language of a society that has lost its moral compass. And our political rulers, smitten by their liberal and secular ideals, nibble at the boundaries of our Christian legal and moral legacy by introducing legislation that erodes the principles God’s people adhere to.  Surely the “unfaithful nation“ in which the Psalmist lived is as true today, if not worse, than it was in his lifetime.

So what do we do? Ignore the “deceitful and wicked” practices that are occurring around us, as so many do? Or do we take a stand against them, asking God to vindicate us in the process. Realising that such a stand will potentially have a cost – remembering that John the Baptist was imprisoned and eventually beheaded because he took a stand against his local ruler’s immoral behaviour.

So I ask myself today – what is my cause? What principle or principles do I have that I consider sacrosanct? Holy Scriptures provide me with many “red lines” that I wouldn’t dream of crossing, and would hope that my society wouldn’t either. So I pray for God to protect His laws and precepts and show me how He wants me to be His voice upholding His principles. Remembering that my God-given mission is to be “salt and light” in my community.