Principles to Live By

September 16, 2020

…the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 NLT

Every day we hear new facts/theories about the coronavirus. Every day more arguments occur face to face and on social media. What’s to be done? How dangerous is it, really? Should masks be mandated or left to personal choice? What’s best for the children—virtual classrooms or in person? Do they need social interaction more than physical protection? Is this a conspiracy? Has the virus been politicized? Will it really go away once the election is over?

Friendships are damaged every single day by the arguments over questions like these and many more. Each side of the argument has its “experts” and “facts” that seem perfectly logical to them and completely foolish to others. Wouldn’t it be great if we knew whom to trust and what the truth is that would uncomplicate our lives and lead to a new future?

It’s easy for us to neglect far greater issues than these because of the simple fact that the most significant rarely seems urgent. The most important truths we need in life far surpass the implications of COVID -19. However, the virus, the political campaigns, the worries of this life are in our faces every day and so occupy a prime place in our considerations. But the facts we need most in life and eternity are the foundation of truth that only God can give.

We need principles to live by. We need deep questions answered. We need convictions that hold us steady when everything is whirling and unsteady. How we live our lives and where we spend eternity is determined by what we accept as truth and guidance here. God has provided the solid foundation we need.  

People around us present their theories on living and what they believe is right. But God’s proven principles for life are almost always the opposite of “what everybody knows.” God’s thoughts are so much higher than ours. His thoughts are more than thoughts—they are truth. What He has to say about using our time, money, about our parenting and marriage, and all of the rest of life gives us the guidance and direction we need to hold our lives up. In a world where personal opinions are many and people believe in “my truth” and “your truth,” God’s truth is certain and absolute. It’s the only thing that can stand the test of time.

•  Pray: God, Your Word is what fills my spirit and gives me life. Please help me keep my focus on what You say. I can get immersed in the temporary issues of this life and forget where true strength and wisdom come from. Your Word is truth. I will build my life on it. Amen.