The definition of principle is “the fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.” In other words, what we consider to be the foundation of truth in our life ultimately affects what we believe, how we think, how we act, the decisions we make, and determines our quality of life. The Word of God is clear as to the right foundation for our lives, and it is Jesus Christ. “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11, AMP).

However, it is evident in our culture today that there is a great divide between what is perceived as right and wrong, good and bad, moral and immoral among politicians, business leaders, judges, entertainment, news media, parents, students, and even church leaders. How can people have such different views on critical life decisions while working from the same set of facts?

Resetting The Foundations

I believe it can be traced back to the foundation people are building their lives on. Why would the enemy systematically go after our education system, the media and entertainment mountain, our government, and the traditional family unit? It is an attempt to dismantle the Christian foundation our country was built on and replace it with worldly, godless ideology streamlined for these paths of influence. When the foundation is wrong, the chain of reasoning that leads to beliefs and behavior follows. Sadly, we are even seeing this in the church as some leaders are allowing worldly opinion to be exalted over the truth of God’s Word. Make no mistake, God is very clear in His Word on what is right and wrong, moral and immoral, and He tells us these things because He loves us and wants us to live a happy, prosperous, and peaceful life.

We are called to stand on the Word of God and influence culture in every realm, to combat chaos in society, culture, family, and relationships by living a life based on the principle that the Word of God is the ultimate, absolute truth. We are called to submit every decision we make, every direction we turn, and every word we speak to the Word of God for guidance, correction, and peace.

How Do We Do That?

First, know that God is on your side, seeking good for you and bringing about success in your life. The character of God is love and you can trust that anything He says, whether in His Word or in your heart, is for your good. Everything from how to raise your kids, how to live a healthy lifestyle, and how to run a business is in the manual He gave us to live by—the living, active Word of God. His Word is clear and gives fair warning, so you can step out in confidence knowing everything God has for you brings life.

Second, let’s remind ourselves of the power of God’s Word and the fact that nothing is hidden from Him. Regardless of whether a person believes or not, their opinion does not change truth. God’s Word is truth. Period. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable” (Heb. 4:12-13, NLT).

At The Crossroads

Daily we are faced with sorting through details and outcomes, through options and results, through desires and dreams and the goal is to utilize the Word of God at every turn. There will be major conflict between worldly and biblical principles, but living a life of principle means you have PRE-decided to choose God’s way. Before you come to a difficult crossroad, you already know you will choose the path of integrity and truth which makes the decision easier but does not necessarily make the path easier. When Jesus says His yoke is easy and His burden is light, He is not promising a life of leisure but He is promising to bear the load with you—yoked together with Jesus you can walk any path in front of you.

The bottom line is: The better you know the Word of God, the quicker you can make decisions whether they are the life-changing size or the daily-life size. Exalting what the Word says over what you see, hear, feel, or think is a lifetime process and you and I will make mistakes, but the deeper the Word of God is inside your mind and heart, the fewer mistakes you will make. Everything you find in the Word is for your good, so get to know the Word well and promptly ask Him what the Lord thinks about any given situation. He is just waiting to bless you abundantly and direct you toward success.

Learn More

Learn more about Karen Conrad at her website, check out her new book The Promise of Purpose, and get a free download from A Life of Principle.

Explore the Truth & Liberty website and visit our Research Center for great practical resources. Also learn how you can become a Truth & Liberty Coalition member and join us in standing for truth in the public square.