I prefer cake over salad, but that doesn’t mean I should always indulge in it. There’s not a fast-set rule that I can’t eat cake instead of salad, but in order to improve my health, I set some principles and guidelines for what I eat. According to my guidelines, salad would be a better choice for me. So, I will eat the salad and reserve the cake for a special occasion or just for my dreams.
Have you ever set principles or guidelines for areas in your life? It’s important to recognize that while personal preferences can influence our decisions, they shouldn’t be the sole factor guiding us, especially in spiritual matters. Life presents us with numerous choices, and the decisions we make are often guided by principles or guidelines that we have formed based on our beliefs about the subject at hand.
Many times I have prayed about what to do when decisions were to be made. I searched scripture and based my choices on what I believed aligned with the teachings of God’s Word. Preacher’s used to call these “choices” convictions. Convictions involve looking beyond immediate desires and considering the long-term impact of our actions on our spiritual growth and wellbeing.
Preferences are subjective opinions that can be open to negotiation. For example, while I favor chocolate cake, I might opt for strawberry depending on my mood. A preference represents a goal you strive for but can compromise on. In contrast, a conviction is rooted in deeply held beliefs and remains steadfast. For instance, I am committed to dressing modestly, guided by scriptural principles. A conviction is something you aim for and aspire to uphold.
Preferences are increasingly influencing Christian’s spiritual choices. There appears to be a noticeable decline in commitment to church and related activities. The desire for what feels good seems to take precedence over the fundamental principles of being grounded in faith and fostering spiritual growth. The lack of strong convictions has fostered a mindset that is easily influenced by surrounding factors and fluctuating moods.
If Christians start to base their lives on personal preferences, I am concerned that we cease to represent Christ and instead become individualists. Jesus exemplified the choice to prioritize others over Himself. Christianity is fundamentally not a preference-driven faith. Our faith is driven by love and serving others.
I want to encourage my fellow Christians to set principles and guidelines in your life that are grounded in God’s Word and not in personal preferences. The scriptures provide wisdom for various aspects of life, including attire, friendships, careers, leadership, marriage, parenting, church involvement, and service, to name just a few.
Embrace the wisdom found in scripture to help you navigate challenges, while celebrating the joy and peace that comes from living according to Biblical principles. Remember, these guidelines are not restrictive but are meant to empower you to live your best life, reflecting love, grace, and compassion in all you do.
Tune My Heart 