The Lord provides us with countless promises throughout the bible. So how does one actually obtain the blessings and promises?
Heeding the voice of the Lord
Following his decrees and commandments
““Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.”
Deuteronomy 28:1
When God speaks it is our duty to follow his instructions. However, if His voice is not heard, we move by the biblical principles listed in the Word of God.
A quick Google search or bible scan highlight principles on every subject from finances, relationships, health, functioning through trials, etc. These principles provide the authority for abundant living and protects one from harmful lifestyles and behaviors. Summed up, biblical principles guide us on how to live prosperously.
Principles allow us to test and approve the will of God. The will of God will never oppose a biblical principle as God is consistent in His audible voice and written Word. This gives us confidence that we can rely on God’s word as a guiding light even if He is never audibly heard.
““God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Numbers 23:19
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
Preferences, a selection of one thing over another, are unique to individual personalities and should always be applied last. As such preferences should never override the voice of the Lord or a biblical principle.
Would you make an eternal decision based on the preference of a color? Most likely not.
Personal will will always lead by preference which are typically driven by emotions and feelings. Decisions ruled by preference may work temporarily but are unsustainable in the long term. Preference based decisions appear right in the present time but can result in long term detriment if a principle should have been applied.
Stay tuned in! Tomorrow we will dive into examples of when to apply a principle versus a preference.
Fellowship Question
What are your initial thoughts on applying biblical principles vs personal preferences to a situation?
