Biblical Principles

Scripture: Galatians 2:20 "And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God."

Recently my grandson Luke and I visited about the following "Sixteen Principles for Life" that I wrote for him upon his graduation from high school.  

                     Sixteen Principles for Life

START: Take one step at a time.

LIVE SIMPLY: Enjoy each day.

GIVE GENEROUSLY: Share your time, talents and resources.

SHOW UP: Be on time and ready to go.

CREATE BALANCE: Work enthusiastically and play joyfully.

QUESTION AUTHORITY: Think independently and wisely.

DREAM DREAMS: Be your authentic self.

LISTEN CAREFULLY: Learn from others every day.

CARE DEEPLY: Care for people, nature and our universe.

BELIEVE ALWAYS: Center on a power greater than yourself.

HOPE ETERNALLY: Hope when all seems hopeless.

LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY: Be faithful and compassionate.

PRIORITIZE DAILY: Time is precious and limited.

EVALUATE CRITICISM: Learn and move on.

RISK FAILURE: Success is learning from failure.

FINISH: You are a winner.

I reflected on how the above principles related to Biblical principles.   We may not frequently talk about Biblical principles. Yet these principles lead us to live the life God wants us to live.

I think of the following simplified, paraphrased Scriptures:

           Love God and others. Mark 12:30-31

          Study the Scriptures. Psalms 119:105

          Pray daily to God. Ephesians 5:20

          Avoid temptations. Matthew 6:13

          Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm: 100:2    

          Forgive each other. Ephesians 4:31-32

God seeks a daily relationship with us. Distractions keep us from living the life God plans for us. If we listen and learn God's purpose for our lives, we will gain wisdom, courage, and strength.

Prayer: God, we know that you have a purpose for each of our lives. Help us to listen to you and to trust and obey as you direct us. Amen.

Lois Poppe