Applied Principles

Do a Google search on “applied principles” and it will return tens of thousands of links mentioning studies and papers written about applying specific principles. "Applied Principles of Hydrology", "Applied Principles in Biomanufacturing", Applied Principles of Neurogastroenterology", etc. Not a single piece of this  information will be of value unless it is – applied.

Speaking to those of us who accept the title of Christian to their lives, why do we think biblical principles are any different? 

To be effective, we must apply these principles to our lives.  Next question, which of the Christian principles (not doctrines, not sacraments) do we actually apply?

How about beginning with one of the most universal principles, not confined to Christianity, but well phrased in the Bible:  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. [Matthew 7:12 KJV]

It doesn’t say to treat others as they treat us, which we often find to be true.  I see this every Wednesday night with the children as they come in and play in the gym before their classes begin.  “He/she hit me first!”, “He/she threw a ball at me so I threw it back.” And we continue to incorrectly apply this principle as adults.  “His/her family doesn’t like me so I won’t have anything to do with them.” 

Let’s assume that biblical principles are known to those called Christian.  Whether they are applied or not comes down to obedience.  Satan knows what the principles are, but he didn’t care about them.  He only cared for the selfishness of “I will” and  was not obedient to God’s will. Are we so different? 

Please spend a few moments with the principles that come to mind first.  Which ones can we honestly say are applied in our lives.  Which principles have we determined are not important?  How was that determination made?

James tells us to be doers – not simply hearers:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:22-24 KJV)

I believe one reason non-believers spot hypocrites so easily (and quickly) is those hearing without doing stand out.  Reversal of that view must come from within hearers.  We must become doers of the word. The principles must be applied in order to be seen and shared.

Of course, it is necessary to hear the word in order to know what to do!  You have a small piece of it here – look for the rest in the Bible.