The life of a Christian is a life of principles and patterns. Ever since the fall of man, there has been a necessity for God to establish systems through which the redeemed experience the fullness of His blessings and the safety that comes with it. A principle is defined as a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. In other words, when it comes to faith, principles come first—and everything Christ builds in us must rest on His principles so that what is built may stand.
Many people are building on exceptions rather than principles, and this is why we often struggle to manifest what God has deposited within us, even though we have a more sure word: we have all that we need for life and godliness. It is necessary to remind every follower of Christ that Jesus fulfilled the requirement for the works of the law when He conquered death. Yet we are still responsible to yield to His Spirit at work in us so that we may manifest the works of faith for which we were set free to live. With that in mind, the Word of God is full of principles, and in many cases, the blessings people yearn for are directly tied to their alignment with these foundational truths.
For example, when we talk about wealth, the Bible lays out principles that guide the lives of those whose hands will not lack:
- First Fruits
“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV
Our theme scripture presents a principle concerning wealth: give God the first portion of your substance and increase. Whether you’ve been promoted at work, found your spouse, harvested your first crop, given birth to your first child, or launched a new business—acknowledge God through your increase. This act is more than a transaction of possessions; it circumcises your heart from the deception that things are more important than their Giver. It places a demand on the abundance of heaven to make all grace and riches abound toward those who are devoted to expanding the kingdom of God on earth by all means. Secondly, while we are all graced differently in gifts and callings, every believer has a part in kingdom expansion. Those who may not have the ability to go may have the ability to give, and must not neglect their part. Honoring God with your first fruits is the principle; full barns and new wine are the consequent blessing.
- Confession
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21 KJV
Many Christians have not yet fully grasped the power of confession—even while people in the world sometimes understand and apply this truth. In the beginning, God created all things by speaking them into being: “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). You are made in His image, and our theme scripture teaches that death and life reside in the words you speak. That is the principle and the second half of the verse carries the promise: whatever you sow in speech, you will reap in outcome. No believer should speak death where they want to see life. Whether or not you realize it, the principle that undergirds the fruit you experience is already in operation. Of course, in the days of ignorance, God extends mercy. You may gain understanding later, perhaps because you weren’t taught correctly and mercy will speak for you. But understanding should not breed recklessness. Be intentional about what you say.
- Stewardship
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
Faithfulness is not a suggestion, it is a requirement. The principle of stewardship is founded on the conviction that nothing we have truly belongs to us; we are only caretakers of what God has entrusted to us. Whether it’s a ministry, a child, a marriage, a job, the breath in your lungs, or the health in your body—stewardship demands an account. Some believers cry out for more opportunity, more clarity, more increase, yet overlook the fact that God is a God of principles. Increase is not distributed emotionally but according to His kingdom order. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Therefore, a life built on the principle of stewardship doesn’t wait for abundance to begin acting responsibly. It honors God now, in the mundane and in the unseen. And the promise? Promotion, entrusted influence, and divine confidence in more.
In truth, these principles are but a glimpse into the inexhaustible treasures of divine wisdom made available to us through Scripture. Principles are not shortcuts; they are divine patterns that keep our faith aligned with God’s nature. In them lie many breakthroughs, as some blessings are hinged on the practice of others. When we live by principles, we are not earning grace, we are responding to it. These foundational truths empower us to stop building on circumstantial exceptions and start building lives that can weather storms and glorify Christ.
Let us not be careless with the sacred systems God has woven into His Word. Instead, may we seek understanding, live by revelation, and build lives that do not merely look blessed, but truly are rooted in eternal truth and flourishing in obedience.
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
