Principles to Live By
As Christians, it is important to maintain a relationship with God following the principles that are laid out in the Bible.
Life takes on new meaning when it is lived in accordance with the precepts taught in the Bible. The well-lived life honors God and aids others in living and moving in faith. The five biblical principles that are presented in this article will encourage, motivate and define these principles and illustrate how a believer can live a rewarding life guided by the Word of God:
1. The Principle of Being a River and not a Swamp
The Bible says in John 7:38, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.“
Refrain from being a swamp, holding on to all the blessings that are poured into your life. You must be like the river; just as the fresh water comes in, you must allow some blessings to flow out and as they flow out, other blessings will come in. If you hold on to everything that flows in and never allow the blessings to flow through you, you become a swamp — taking in and never sharing the abundant resources that have been provided to you. A swamp holds on to everything and becomes stagnant.
2. The Principle of a Verbal Confirmation
Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” With the tongue, you can speak life into a situation or bring death upon a situation. You have the ability and authority to speak the truth, or you can tell a lie. The tongue of a Christian is a vital tool for intercession and praise. Be careful what you confirm in your life and the life of those that you speak over.
3. The Principle of Restoration
The world is not a friend to saint or sinner or to a child or an adult. You can encourage someone who has lost hope. The Bible teaches a powerful lesson in Proverbs 13:12: “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” To be disappointed and to have hopes dashed can be felt as a physical, mental or emotional pain, but you could be that tree of life. You can provide nourishment and life to a downtrodden soul. Every morning, you can ask the Lord to let you be a blessing to someone and the Lord will honor your request. As your heart and your eyes are open to the opportunity that God will put before you, you will have the opportunity to provide restoration.
4. The Principle of Gratefulness
Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful.” There is a song that says, “It’s another day’s journey and I’m glad about it.” Your thankfulness stems from the innermost part of your heart. It is a testimony spoken aloud confirming that God loves you and provides new mercies each day.
5. The Principle of Recognition
James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Everything that you have is because of God. There is no lack in God.
Seasons come and go in our lives, but the thing that does not change is the Word of God. The Word of God is an escape from hell, but it is also a word by which Christians can live a victorious life in every season of their life.
Christians may not be happy at all times. Sorrow will come, but the Word tells us that as a Christian, God can and will give you a peace that the world does not know.
John 14:27 encourages believers to hold on even in turbulent times: “Peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
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St. James AME Church is located at 456 Dorothy Street in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 11 a.m.
