GUIDE YOUR STEPS BY GODLY PRINCIPLES - Think and Act on the Basis of Principles

Thing and Act on the Basis of Principles

Time and again, "the Word of our God" encourages us to think and act on the basis of principles.  When Jesus was asked to summarize the Law he made two succinct statements-one emphasizing love for Jehovah, the other stressing love for fellowman.  (Matthew 22:37-40)  In doing so, Jesus partially quoted from an earlier brief summary of basic tenets of the Mosaic Law, stated at Deuteronomy 6:4, 5:  "Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. And you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force."  Evidently, Jesus also had in mind God's directive found at Leviticus 19:18. In the clear, terse, and powerful ending of the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon's words epitomize a hose of divine laws:  "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments.  For this is the whole obligation of man.  For the true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad." -Ecclesiastes 12:12, 14; Micah 6:8.

Having a firm grasp of such basic principles can help us to understand and apply more specific directives.  Furthermore, if we do not thoroughly comprehend and accept basic principles, we might be able to make sound decisions and our faith may be easily shaken.  (Ephesians 4:14)  if we fix such principles in our mind and heart, we will be ready to use them in making decisions.  When we apply them with understanding, they bring success. -Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 4:1-9.

Discerning and applying Bible principles is not as easy as following a set of laws.  As imperfect humans we may shy away from the effort required to reason on principles.  We may prefer the convenience of a rule when we are faced with a decision  or a dilemma.  Sometimes we may seek direction from a mature Christians-maybe a congregation elder-expecting to receive a specific rule  that applies to our situation.  Yet, the Bible or Bible-based  publications may not provide a definite rule, and even if we are given one, it might not be a blanket guide for all times under all circumstances. You may remember that a certain man asked Jesus:  "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."  Instead of quickly providing  a ruling to resolve disputes between siblings, Jesus gave him a more general principle:  "Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of covetousness."  Thus Jesus provided  a guideline that was useful then and remains so now. -Luke 12:13-15.

Next time: Conclusion of GUIDE YOUR STEPS BY GODLY PRINCIPLES - Think and Act on the Basis of Principles

The Watchtower, 2002