We may have heard about the ten commandments or the ancient law that was given to the Israelites in order to point them towards God in their daily behaviour, but have we heard about Godly principles? Perhaps we’ve heard about them, but have we pondered on them for any length of time?
Godly principles are part of God’s government. Jesus spoke of these principles in the book of Matthew and it was He, who introduced them to the world, through His ministry (Matt 5,6 and 7). Godly principles are different to the ten commandments or the law that was given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, in that, the commandments and the Law are very straight forward – do not do this or do not do that – that is: “You shall not Kill” – “You shall not commit adultery” or, “You shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen…” etc.
Godly principles, on the other hand, are more like…. “if you do this, there will be a consequence” – “If you don’t do this, then equally, there will be a consequence”. A few examples of Godly principles are:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal.6:7).
“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment, but I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment’!” (Matt 5:22).
“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow” (Matt 5:42).
The similarity between the ancient law, the ten commandments and Godly principles, are that they all point people towards God. Obeying them makes us more mature in our walk with the Lord on a daily basis (Matt 5:48).
So, apart from drawing us closer to God, why should we obey His principles?
Psalm 1 tells us that as we obey Godly principles we will prosper (Ps 1:1:4). I notice the scripture says “in everything he does, he will prosper”. One definition of prosper is to … ’flourish physically; grow strong and healthy’. So to prosper in everything, means to flourish in all walks of life, whether that is financially, in relationships, business or health.
This scripture is such a wonderful yard stick for us to measure the state of our own lives.
Do we have a life where there is no prosperity? Why is that?
Well if that is the case, then according to Ps.1, we cannot be adhering to Godly principles in our daily life.
Do we have a life which is partly prosperous?
Then, we must be sometimes walking in Godly principles and sometimes not.
Or … Is our life totally prosperous?
Well then, the reason is, because we are daily adhering to God’s principles.
We need to remember however, that in our own strength it is impossible to adhere to Godly principles on a daily basis. Paul tells us in the book of Corinthians, that it is by God’s doing that we are able to walk in His principles (in other words “in Christ”) (1Cor 1:30). Therefore, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, that we are able to adhere to the principles. The closer we draw to the Lord, the more we walk in His principles – automatically!
Another reason for walking daily in Godly principles, is the fact that God’s authority will shine through us – automatically! We won’t have to tell people that we are believers, they will witness it in our lifestyles.
So, simply put, the principle of walking in Godly principles is:
Walk according to God’s principles and we will be blessed – walk outside of God’s principles and we cannot be blessed. Walk in Godly principles and His authority will go before us – walk outside of God’s principles and we lack the authority of God.
Thanks for spending this time with me… may the Master richly bless your current season.