Have you ever attempted to put something together without reading the instruction manual? What type of end result do you usually get with if you don’t follow the instruction manual? If you are like me, you end up with a mess or with parts left over. The only way to reverse the end result is by going back to the manual and starting over by following the instructions. If you want the correct final product, you must follow the instruction. So, there must be something to following instructions if we are to have success in life.
Dr. Cho the pastor of the largest church in the world (over one million members) was asked the great key to his success. His reply was “I pray and then I obey”. This is simple, yet powerful. We all tend to pray, but do we obey? Do we follow the principles or instructions that God gives us? If we look deeper at the word “obedience” it can be defined as putting into action that which Gods requires – or in other words, following instruction. The only way to experience all that God has for us is to walk in complete obedience. Then we can be sure not to miss any good thing He desires for our lives. Obedience always brings blessing
An instruction is simply a principle. Principle is defined as something established as a standard or test, for measuring, regulating, or guiding conduct or practice. A principle is a general and fundamental truth that may be used in deciding conduct or choice: to adhere to principle.
By learning principles rather than rules, we as individuals will be better equipped to make wise choices and avoid failure. There are some basic foundational life principles that if you obey and properly apply to your life I believe that you will have great success? And just where are those principles found? Quite simply – The Bible.
2 Tim 3:16 The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. 17 It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. TLB
So, there is an equipping POWER that is available to you right now!
It’s called “The POWER of Principle”.
As Christians, we should live by convictions that are grounded in the Word of God on the Principles of God – a fixed or predetermined mode of conduct, or a moral rule based on the Word of God, so, that we can have success in life. Therefore, a life of success must be lived by PRINCIPLE – we must choose to adhere to principles or standards (parameters/boundaries/guidelines) that are set in order by the Word of God!
It is following and executing the instruction of God.
- Ps 119:4 You have laid down precepts (instructions, orders) that are to be fully obeyed. NIV
- Ps 119:4-5 LORD, you have given us your laws and told us to obey them faithfully. 5 How I hope that I shall be faithful in keeping your instructions! TEV
- Ps 119:1-2 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. NIV
- Proverbs 11:4 The Message (MSG) A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst.
God is clear on how we are to obtain the blessed life by living a principled life! It is God’s desire for us to be blessed as we read in Jeremiah 29:11 where it states, “for I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As we apply the principles of God to our life we will have great success.
So, evaluate your
life and determine whether you live by principle. Because a virtuous woman is a woman of principles.
Her mind is guarded with beautiful thoughts, which reflects in her life.
Everything about her distinguishes her from other women. She is well respected and appreciated in the
society. She is the type of woman who thinks before she speaks her words. Her
strength flows through her mind. No matter the heaviness or intensity of the
storm, she holds onto her position because her mind is fixed on the abundant life
that awaits. Her principles protect her
from all manner of manipulations and guide her toward truth. Her principles help her maintain respect for
herself and family. A principled woman
protects herself and her family from all destruction and danger. She is a woman of principle with standards.
So, the
next time you need to bring about change in your life or want different
results, apply the POWER of PRINCIPLE! Living a principled
life will keep you on the right path in everything you do!
My prayer is that you will choose to live your life based on the unchanging truths found in God’s Word. Following His principles (or instruction) will always result in internal peace and joy, regardless of the external circumstances and will bring about great success. Surrender your preferences to God and let Him show you how to live by His unchanging principles.
