“There are principles that govern human effectiveness — natural laws in the human dimension that are just as real, just as unchanging and unarguably ‘there’ as laws such as gravity are in the physical dimension” (Stephen R. Covey).
AS WE GROW IN WISDOM, WE COME TO SEE THE VALUE OF LIVING A PRINCIPLED LIFE. Indeed, the worth of the contribution we make as we travel through this world depends on the strength with which we adhere to principles. Positive contributions are not produced by moods and trends; they come from the guidance of wisdom proven to be valuable over many centuries of testing by trial-and-error.
Principles are the precepts of virtue and effectiveness in human conduct. Analogous to descriptions of cause and effect in the physical world, principles describe how things work in the moral realm. They’ve been recognized by the wise in all cultures throughout time, and their value has been borne out in the day-to-day experience of people around the globe. For example, “honesty” is a principle. “Kindness” is another. “Courage” is yet another. There are many such principles, but they are not mysterious or hard to find. Each of us carries the code within our conscience. Deep down, we know what is right — and we know what builds long-term effectiveness.
Principles are permanent. The laws of wise conduct don’t change as our styles and fashions do. Principles are inherent in the nature of reality. Civilizations may rise and fall, but there will never come a time when things like “thankfulness” and “unselfishness” have lost their value. In other words, the principles of human conduct are “durable”: they have endured, and will endure, for a very long time.
Principles are dependable. Because they are unchangeable, principles can be counted on. They are stable, trustworthy guides for our conduct, and awareness of that reliability should make us more courageous. “If one can be certain that his principles are right, he need not worry about the consequences” (Robert Elliott Speer). Although we can’t predict the future, if we base our conduct on principles, we can know that our actions are conducive to the best possible result.
As the world changes ever more rapidly, we need more trustworthy guidance than we can get from the popular culture or our daily news feed. Whatever place in our lives those things may have, they can’t do what principles can do: stabilize us in the storm.
“If the roots are deep, have no fear that the wind will uproot the tree” (Chinese Proverb).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
