SECTION 3: Principles in Practice

Key Elements of Principles 

 

Let’s break down the definition of Principle and study the key element of Principle. Living a life of principle in practice protects your purpose and ensures success. Success is not achieved by luck or chance, instead it is achieved by aligning with and applying the right principles. It is important to note that use of the word “right” and not “good.” 

 

Principles are like rules of a game, and following them leads to victory. This review of the definition and elements of principle is to help you understand what is and is not considered principle in practice.  

 

1. Rule of Action or Conduct- Principle in practice as a rule of action or conduct can be seen throughout nature and creation. For example, the notion of flight. Birds fly this is the expected conduct or action of birds to fly. We would be alarmed to see a pig contradict their expected conduct or action & fly. Hence, the saying “when pigs fly” as an expression of surprise or disbelief. A rule of action or conduct unique to human beings is the ability to converse. While parrots may have the ability to mimic, humans are the only beings in this earth realm to use speech and written language as a means of communication and expression. This is a rule of action or conduct expected and/or within the scope of possibilities for human beings. The rule of action and conduct reveals the very nature of a thing. Pigs are not purposed for flight and thus do not possess the ability to fly.

   •  The human ability to declare and profess is evidence of one of God’s purposes of mankind which is to share His good news & declare His Lordship. 

 

1. A Fundamental, Primary or General Law- Laws are a system of rule, or statement of fact deduced from observation. Laws are governed either by a binding force or formal system of rules. Even when enforced or practiced laws can be defied. Defying some laws is easier than others; some are a matter of choice or conduct, and others are a matter of research and the expansion of science. Take for example, man in-flight was once a notion perceived to defy the laws of physics, until the laws of physics were revolutionized with the creation of the airplane. Defying laws comes with some consequences, whether those consequences are penalties for breaking man-made laws, or years of hard work and study to expand man’s knowledge of universal law. Laws act as a guidepost to help govern the actions and conduct of a thing or a being.  

   • Some laws are powered by fact, which is the present state of a thing or circumstance, rather than by truth. These types of laws can be defied and broken because they are powered by accepted fact instead of truth. (Laws that are not based in truth are not Principles.) 

 

1. A Fundamental, Primary or General Truth- Truth is omnipotent and filled with everlasting power. The truth cannot change, and laws based on truth are principles and principles cannot be broken. We can only break ourselves against them.  Truth is eternal and universal. Just as the Law or Principle of Universal Gravitation both governs and exhibits the attraction between the earth and the moon, and the Law or Principle of Centrifugal Force controls and reveals the behavior of the earth’s revolution around the sun, so 

   • the principles of purpose both rule and make known the function of purpose. 

 

1. A Fundamental Doctrine- Is a belief or a set of beliefs held and taught. Principles rooted in enduring truths offer a foundation for sound doctrine. When governed by Principle, humanity can be guided toward a deeper understanding of the ethical and moral truths we've reflected on since the beginning of mankind. 

 

Principles in Practice

 

These key elements of principle are fundamental in your understanding of the nature and function of principles in practice. These inherent truths of principles are what set principles apart and make them an essential factor of purpose. Purpose legitimizes power, and power without principle is dangerous. Principles are fundamental truths with universal application. 

 

Truth v. Fact - Truth is eternal, universal and omnipotent. Truth is grounded in everlasting power and cannot change. Truth is revealed through divine revelation and wisdom. Facts are the present state of affairs and information. Facts are subject to and limited by the bounds of human understanding.  

 

Knowledge v. Information- Knowledge is the revelation of Truth, which powers transformation. Knowledge is alive and a catalyst and can activate the human spirit. Information is not revelation, merely data or general fact, which alone cannot bring transformation. Information can lie dormant in the human heart. 

Purpose + Principle = The How- Principles are the inherent laws for the functioning of purpose and potential (the how and how it is to be done.) Principles also protect purpose & potential and principle is the way something is to function. Purpose + Principle disciplines your behaviors and chooses your habits.