Putting Enduring, Practical Principles to Use

The person with a well-used Bible rarely has a misused life.

“God will never give you a principle in His Word that you cannot implement.”

A longtime friend made this statement during a retreat recently. Sounds bold and all-encompassing, doesn’t it? What, no exceptions? Well, he didn’t stop there, adding, “When you follow biblical principles, you can never go wrong.”

There are those who would beg to differ, but my friend, Albert, spoke from a vast storehouse of personal experience. A survivor of the ravages of World War II as a boy in the Netherlands, and then more than three years of treatment for tuberculosis, he and his wife eventually immigrated to the United States, where they raised a family and he forged a successful business career.

However, his life has hardly fit the proverbial “bowl of cherries” description. In addition to suffering from a variety of other health maladies, some nearly fatal, Albert’s had his share of business setbacks. And yet, since committing his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 40, he’s found that any time he has encountered a biblical principle and determined to apply it, it’s proven to be sound and practical.

Principles he’s implemented range from decision-making, indebtedness, giving, avoiding surety (becoming obligated for the debts of others), communications, leadership, even rejecting bankruptcy as an option in times of severe financial reversal.

One of the paramount principles Albert has followed comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” With that as the foundation for approaching each day, thoughts and actions can be guided by what the Lord teaches in the Scriptures about right living, working and playing.

I have made the same discovery over the years, both firsthand and through the insights of hundreds of people I’ve had the privilege of interviewing for articles and books. God doesn’t promise any of us pain-free, worry-free lives. Existing in an imperfect world, we’re all affected by its brokenness. But following the truths and principles presented in the Bible helps to make our journey over the bumps and potholes of every day a bit smoother.

Although the Scriptures were written and passed on thousands of years ago, they remain relevant and meaningful – if only we’re willing to consider them with open, receptive minds. As Hebrews 4:12-13 declares, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow…. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

If we’re looking for direction, wisdom in how to successfully navigate the challenges life inevitably presents, we’re wise to embrace the biblical principles God has graciously provided. Israel’s King David, who experienced his share of stumbles over the course of his own life, observed,

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your (God’s) word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have had hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9-11).

How can we know for certain? What if we try to implement a biblical principle, especially one that seems counter-intuitive to the world around us, and we wind up in a ditch?

God doesn’t seem at all worried about that. In one particular area – generous giving – He even invites us to put Him to the test: “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it’” (Malachi 3:10).

Speaking with the voice of experience, Albert said, “A loving father will never ask you to do something that is not good for you. And our God is truly a loving Father.”

“I’m ‘Just a Layman’ . . .”

Yesterday I joined a Facebook dialogue that began with a statement, “84% of Christian 18- to 29-year-olds admit that they have no idea how the Bible applies to their field or professional interests.” That statistic didn’t surprise me – I would have thought the percentage might be higher.

Since 1999, I’ve written and edited a weekly e-mail workplace meditation called “Monday Manna” for CBMC International, a ministry to business and professional people. This one-page commentary on everyday workplace issues, with accompanying discussion questions, has grown incredibly, now translated into more than 20 languages and going to an estimated two million recipients around the world. I take no credit for its growth, but think it shows the desire people have for learning how the Scriptures apply to the world of work.

It’s sad the great majority of young believers can’t connect biblical teachings to their work, but I think there are four primary reasons for this:

They don’t learn it in many churches. Many pastors do a wonderful job of dissecting the Scriptures, teaching context, meaning, and even application to personal life. But many of them, having gone from college to seminary to pulpit, don’t know much about the real world of work. Anything they might impart, therefore, would only be theory. There’s a saying, “You can’t teach above where you’re living.” Just as I couldn’t teach someone to do brain surgery, most clergy have little familiarity with the challenges of meeting sales quotas, juggling deadlines, handling inventory, or making payroll. 

The false two-tiered view of people. Early on, the institutional church adopted the view there were two classes of Christians (or followers of Jesus). There were the paid professionals – that is, priests, ministers and missionaries; and then there were the “laymen.” Someone has described the former as “paid to be good,” the latter as “good for nothing.” Unfortunately, that view has persisted into the 21^st century. We often hear of individuals committing their lives to preach, or to go on the mission field. But when was the last time you heard – and celebrated – someone that declared, “I’m committing my life to serving Christ in business”? Too often I hear people say, sheepishly, “Oh, I’m just a layman.”

Not recognizing the sacredness of work. When we hear of corporate scandals – Enron, banks, investment firms – it’s easy to dismiss the business world as “secular,” or even worse, as evil. But Jesus recruited His followers from the work world – fishermen, tax collectors, etc. A physician authored the gospel of Luke. The Bible teaches no distinction; in God’s view, everything is considered sacred. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Failure to glorify God in the workplace. Too often observers see no meaningful difference between how professing followers of Jesus and nonbelievers conduct business. By pursuing our job responsibilities with excellence, integrity, quality, compassion, and the highest ethical standards, we can demonstrate God’s Word can and does work in the workplace. As Jesus said, “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

In case you’re interested, you can check out “Monday Manna” at www.cbmcint.org and scroll to the link on the left.