What Principles Define How You Live?

WordPress recently offered a blogging prompt with this question: “What principles define how you live?”

Several bloggers answered the question. There were some insightful posts. Many offered good advice with some pragmatic applications. However, much of it had a secular focus with a bit of spiritually thrown in.

The question is a good one for us all to consider and answer.

Value Driven Principles

While we often use principles and values interchangeably, there is a bit of difference. Values are core beliefs that shape your principles and behavior. Values are foundational. Non-negotiable. Confirmed by our actions, not just our words. And demonstrate our convictions. Values even drive the most mundane decisions of daily life.

Our values define us. They enjoin our ethics, morals and mores. What we value we prioritize. Hyrum Smith says, “Whatever your particular governing values may be, they are represented by the clearest answers you can give to these questions: What are the highest priorities in my life? and Of these priorities which do I value the most?”

Let me suggest three values that will shape your beliefs, guide your behavior and form your principles.

#1 The Bible is God’s Word and is Truth. It will provide the guiding principles for all of life (Jn. 17:17; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

#2 The first great commandment: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37-38).

#3 The second great commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39).

From these 3 values we can form many principles that will direct our lives.

12 Guiding Principles that I Personally Consider Important.

#1 I make spiritual matters a priority over physical and material concerns (Matt. 6:19-34).

#2 I live earth life in view of eternal life (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

#3 I follow the golden rule–treating others the way I want to be treated (Matt. 7:12).

#4 I refuse to be defined by external conditions such as appearance, possessions, or physical health (Phil. 3:4-11; 2 Cor. 12:7-10).

#5 I shape my identity as it conforms to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 12:1-2).

#6 My family is ordained, ordered and arranged by unchanging Biblical directives, not cultural or societal mores (Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Pet. 3:7).

#7 The fellowship of my church family takes precedent over secular relationships (Ax. 2:42-47; Gal. 6:1-10).

#8 My discipleship is a daily, continual process of growing spiritually (Lk. 6:40)

#9 I seek opportunities to minister to fellow believers and serve others (Gal. 6:10; Rom. 12:3-8).

#10 My worship is a privilege and an opportunity to glorify God, not just weekly, but daily (Ps 95:6; Jn. 4:23-24).

#11 I seek opportunities to share my faith (1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:5-6)

#12 Love is the basis through which I do all things (1 Cor 13).

Honesty demands there are times I fail to prioritize my values and live by the principles I espouse and know are important. Value based and principle driven living requires constant attention. Regular examination. Humble confession. And sincere correction.

What are your values? What principles define how you live?  Know this.  You will never become the person you want to be if  your daily decisions conflict with your values and principles.

I challenge you to give it some serious thought. I promise you that the answers can make a difference in both time and eternity.

–Ken Weliever, ThePreacherman