12 December | Youth
«You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.» 2 Peter 3:17
We all need reliable principles to guide our lives. Answer quickly: Where are your values established? If the answer is in God’s Word, you are in the right direction. The Bible must be our rule of faith and practice. The secret to surviving life’s influences is to cultivate a biblical mindset.
To make correct decisions, you need to know the difference between principles and standards. In the Bible we find both types. Principles are eternal and universal; standards are temporary and applicable to certain contexts.
For example, the principle of Christian modesty is easily identifiable in Scripture. Based on this value, we understand that Christians must dress with simplicity, decency, and good sense.
In biblical times, there was a concrete and cultural way of applying this principle. Women, for example, had to wear a veil. Obviously, this rule is not in effect today. There are more appropriate means today to express the principle of modesty.
We must not disregard the rules. They are the concrete application of the principles. Without them, values become vague and subjective. However, we need to understand that they can pass and are adaptable to different cultural contexts. Another important thing: rules can never contradict biblical principles. They lend objective meaning to them.
Those who only adhere to the rules and do not understand the principles behind them tend to have a legalistic and hypocritical religion. In turn, those who have learned to live by principles have an internal compass to help them with life decisions.
It is important to follow the principles of the Bible. Thus, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will submit to the rules that will allow you to live correctly. Ask God to help you understand His principles and pray that He gives you strength to comply with the corresponding standards.