Below are 10 simple, powerful principles I apply daily to honor God and benefit others. The Bible offers an abundance of wisdom, but if you’re unsure where to start, I pray these 10 truths guide and inspire you.
I’m reminded of a story about an old Cherokee teaching his grandson about life:
“A fight is going on inside me,” he told the boy. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil; full of anger, envy, regret, greed, arrogance, and lies. The other is good; filled with joy, peace, love, kindness, humility, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you and inside every person.”
The grandson thought for a moment, then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man simply replied, “The one you feed the most.”
This story reminds me of our spiritual lives. Each day, we make choices that feed either the Spirit or the flesh. What we focus on, dwell on, and practice determines which “wolf” grows stronger. Feed your spirit with these principles, and watch how God transforms your life..
1. Seek God First (Matthew 6:33)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Make God the priority in every aspect of your life. When you align your choices with His will, everything else falls into place.
Practical Wisdom:
- Begin each day with prayer and Scripture.
- Make decisions based on God’s guidance rather than personal convenience.
- Trust Him to provide for your needs as you focus on serving Him.
2. Live with Integrity (Psalm 25:21)
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”
Integrity is doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. It honors God and builds trust with others.
Practical Wisdom:
- Speak truthfully and avoid exaggeration or deceit.
- Keep your commitments, even when it’s difficult.
- Surround yourself with people who value honesty and hold you accountable.
3. Speak Life (Ephesians 4:29)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
Our words have power—they can uplift or destroy. Choose words that glorify God and encourage others.
Practical Wisdom:
- Pause before speaking to ensure your words are kind and constructive.
- Avoid gossip, negativity, and harsh criticism.
- Use your voice to share hope, gratitude, and encouragement.
4. Embrace Humility (Micah 6:8)
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Humility is the key to living in harmony with God and others. It reminds us that every good thing comes from Him.
Practical Wisdom:
- Serve others without seeking recognition.
- Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
- Celebrate others’ successes without envy.
5. Pursue Wisdom Over Wealth (James 1:5)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
True success is measured by wisdom, not material possessions. Wisdom guides us to make decisions that honor God.
Practical Wisdom:
- Pray for discernment in daily decisions.
- Take time to plan and consider the consequences of your actions.
- Use your resources to bless others and advance God’s kingdom.
6. Avoid Sin and Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
Steer clear of behaviors and environments that lead to sin. Seek God’s strength to stand firm.
Practical Wisdom:
- Spend time in God’s Word to discern right from wrong.
- Avoid places, media, or relationships that lead you astray.
- Confess and repent quickly when you fall short.
7. Cultivate Gratitude (Colossians 3:15)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful.”
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the blessings we have. It’s a powerful way to honor God.
Practical Wisdom:
- Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
- Give generously, even when it’s inconvenient.
- Express thanks to those who support and encourage you.
8. Seek Justice and Righteousness (Isaiah 1:17)
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
A life devoted to righteousness and justice reflects God’s heart for His people.
Practical Wisdom:
- Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
- Make choices that reflect God’s love and fairness.
- Pray for God’s guidance in pursuing justice in your daily interactions.
9. Trust in God’s Wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. Trust in His plan, even when it doesn’t align with yours.
Practical Wisdom:
- Surrender your worries and desires to God in prayer.
- Resist the urge to rely solely on your understanding.
- Look for God’s hand in every situation, knowing He works all things for good.
10. Be a Good Steward (1 Peter 4:10)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.”
God entrusts us with resources to manage wisely and use for His glory.
Practical Wisdom:
- Budget your finances and time with care.
- Share your talents to serve others and build His kingdom.
- Plan for the future without forgetting to trust God for provision.
As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for hearts committed to Him. With each step we take in practicing His wisdom, our relationship with Him grows stronger and deeper. A life of wisdom, humility, and compassion honors God and blesses our relationships with others. As we apply these principles, we reflect Christ’s character and fulfill our purpose as His followers.
Which of these principles resonates with you the most?
- Is it seeking God first in all things?
- Learning to speak life into others?
- Or perhaps trusting God’s wisdom when life feels uncertain?
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:
- What steps can I take this week to live out one of these principles?
- How can I use my gifts or blessings to uplift someone else today?
I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories of how you’ve seen God work in your life through these principles. Let’s encourage each other to keep growing and walking in faith!
Blessings,
