I was raised with principles.
I loved the “Institute For Basic Life Principles.” I probably went to that seminar dozens of times. I still access it through their website. I started when I was 13 and now I’m going to be 60 next birthday.
I had a mother who had strict principles: no dancing, no occult activity, no playing cards, no rock music, (of course) no drinking, drugs, or smoking. Bowling was “iffy.” She had good reasons for all of these principles. Logically, all of these rules made perfect sense. It wasn’t just NO, DON’T.
Playing cards? Look them up in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Read the entire section. You’ll see why she had issues with them. It wasn’t just the association with gambling. It had occult implications.
Argue all you want, there were principles enforced in my childhood for reasons that many would desperately try to explain away. I couldn’t, so I pretty much abode by them. I bore constant criticism and mockery for my principles.
It made me strong.
I think the best example of principled people in the Bible were the Nazarites. I brought them up once in an argument about principles and the pastor I was talking to burst out in mocking laughter.
Even the Nazarites faced criticism, though God seemed to approve their principles. Didn’t He?
I am not a Nazarite. I don’t care if you cut your hair or nails, or whatever you do. Frankly I don’t care about your principles ONE IOTA. Nazarites be Nazarites. I love you as you are right now. Period. That is one of my principles.
I do care about my own. I choose my own principles in light of my own relationship with the Lord and those around me.
If I choose to not listen to rock music that should have nothing to do with you. If I choose to abide by the codes of good citizenship, by principle, I shouldn’t attract anyone’s attention. If I choose to buck the New World Order as a prophecy watcher you can turn your head and look another direction.
Yes, my principles will touch others on occasion. No one is forced to adopt mine, but if you interact with me you may be affected by my principles. You may want something from me that my principles forbid, whether or not you agree or understand.
So does one put relationship over principle?
This has been the question of the last pandemic years. I have lost several relationships because of my principles. I’m not alone on this. I speak with people, friends, folks at my work, family—who have made the sacrifice of relationship for principles.
Fighting for principle is a lonely battle. People won’t like you. Your principles will welcome derision and scoffing. They will be clawed at.
I’ve learned to turn away. I answer to God for myself, not for others.
I can love everyone from my principled existence, I’m not judging. How could I judge anyone? I am not better because of my principles. I simply see my accountability for my behavior involving God and His plans for me. Why would I criticize anyone else?
So I find it irksome when people criticize my principles. I’m asking no one to adopt my principles. I act in light of my own relationship with Christ. If I am showing some obvious sin I expect my brothers and sisters in Christ to correct me. Sin is a different matter. Principles can’t be sin.
If you choose to criticize my behavior because I am abiding by my own principles I will quietly back away from you. Passively. You clearly do not know my heart.
I’ve done this so many times it has become normal, even if it’s a sad outcome. I will pray from afar, love from afar.
Lonely existence? Yes. But God does comfort, and He does bring like-minded friends into your circles. He has comforted me.
I encourage you to abide by principles. Practice it, because as the days get darker, the last days commence, people who want to follow Jesus will be confronted with this question of principle versus relationship more and more.
Choose principle. Eternal consequences.
Practice makes perfect, right?
MARANATHA!