What are YOUR Principles?
So the question was… What are the principles you live by? Have you thought about them? Written them down? Considered where they came from? Determined if they’re good or not? Helpful or harmful?
I have to confess. This assignment has kept me up the last few nights. Not because I don’t have or live by principles, but by the assignment to pick the five most important ones. Before I reveal my ‘top five,’ let me share some of the principles you shared in your comments. Really good stuff here…..
– Do what you say you’re going to do
– Unsolicited advice between adults is actually criticism.
– Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
– Your friends determine the quality and direction of your life.
– People aren’t against you, they are for themselves.
– Do more than is expected.
– Your secrets have power and will control you
Some of these principles can be traced to the Bible. Some have been honed from experience. One of my principles is, “never form a principle from your own singular experience.” It would be easy for someone who has just been taken advantage of to develop a principle that says, “people will always take advantage if they’re given the chance.” Good principles come from God’s Word and from the wisdom of people who’ve lived life for a while, not from knee-jerk reactions to bad things that happen.
So here are my top five, not necessarily in their order of importance, but in order of how frequently I use them….
1. “Traffic is always an issue but rarely an excuse.” – Being on time is part of being trustworthy….of doing what you say. It’s a direct reflection of character and is a part of my witness as a Christ-follower. I consistently strive for timeliness.
2. “Don’t take it personal.” – Most of what’s said that makes me anxious or angry isn’t intended toward me personally. If they meant it to be “personal,” I’d know it! Listening objectively (separating the person’s motives from what they’re saying) allows me to hear them out without getting defensive.
3. “…Love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Eph. 5:25) – I must ‘give myself up’ for my wife daily. If I want a happy marriage, I must give my wife my undivided attention when she’s talking to me. I must listen to her. I must engage with her emotionally. I must put her needs above my own. On the big issues, that’s pretty easy. In the little things….the minute-by-minute things…it’s hard.
4. “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17) – Making my ‘default setting’ a constant prayer of gratitude. “Thank you God for loving me.” “Thank you God for adopting me into your family.” “Thank you God for….(fill in the blank).” Constantly expressing my gratitude to God keeps me humble and connected to my Heavenly Father all day.
5. “Feel people, don’t fix them.” – Since this life is about God and people, the most precious thing in a day is the interaction I have with each person I meet. The more I use my energies to ‘listen’ to people’s feelings, the more they feel loved…and less judged. I want every person I meet to feel the love of Jesus coming from me, a tall challenge for sure.
Question: Will you start a list of the principles you live by? Wouldn’t that be an awesome gift for your kids and someday, your grandkids? Talk to us here…
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Responses (1)
Do the right thing
Do it the best you can
Do everything that way