If you want to follow Christian teachings, consider these 8 principles

spiritual but not religious

Living as a Christian means more than just believing in Jesus. It’s about embodying His teachings in your daily life.

The distinction lies in action. Simply claiming you’re a Christian, while not adhering to the values, equates to empty words.

On the contrary, truly following Christian teachings offers you a choice. A choice to live in a way that reflects your beliefs and impacts those around you positively.

If you’re eager to walk this path, there are eight principles you should consider. And trust me, incorporating these into your life can be transformative.

So, let’s delve into these principles that can guide you on your journey of faith and service.

1) Love your neighbor

Christianity isn’t just about faith in God, but also about how we treat others.

This brings us to the principle of ‘Loving your neighbor’. This concept is deeply rooted in Christian teachings and underscores the importance of treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect.

The idea here is that our actions towards others are a reflection of our love for God. When we treat people with kindness and respect, we are essentially showing love to God.

Think about it. It’s the motivation behind every act of charity, every kind word, every gesture of understanding and tolerance that we extend to others.

So if you aspire to live according to Christian teachings, this principle should be your guiding light.

Remember though, the aim is to genuinely love and respect others, not just to appear righteous or win approval. Authenticity is crucial if you want to truly embody this principle.

2) Forgiveness is key

Another vital principle in Christian teachings is forgiveness. I can’t stress enough how transformative this principle can be, and I speak from personal experience.

I remember a time when I was deeply hurt by a close friend’s words. The pain was so intense that it clouded my judgment and filled my heart with resentment.

Then one day, during a sermon on forgiveness, it hit me. I was carrying this burden of anger and bitterness, but I had the key to release it – forgiveness.

I reached out to my friend, expressed my feelings and forgave him. That decision not only mended our friendship but also brought me an unexpected sense of peace and freedom.

Letting go of past hurts and forgiving others, as well as ourselves, is a cornerstone of Christian teachings. It’s about releasing negative emotions and opening our hearts to love and healing.

Keep in mind, though, that forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or condoning wrongs. It’s about choosing not to let these wrongs control your emotions anymore.

Remember, the path to forgiveness is often challenging, but it’s a journey worth embarking on.

3) Humility over pride

Humility is another fundamental principle in Christian teachings. It’s the idea of recognizing our weaknesses and acknowledging that we are not superior to others.

This principle is beautifully encapsulated in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, narrated in the Bible. In this story, the humble tax collector was justified before God, unlike the self-righteous Pharisee.

Interestingly, scientific studies have shown that humility can lead to increased happiness, better relationships, and even improved physical health.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of oneself; it’s about thinking of oneself less and focusing more on the needs and feelings of others.

But remember, humility is not about self-deprecation or lack of confidence. It’s about possessing a realistic understanding of our strengths and weaknesses and treating everyone with equal respect.

4) Faith in God

At the heart of Christian teachings lies the principle of faith. Faith in God’s existence, His love, His mercy, and His plan for us.

This unwavering belief is the foundation upon which all other Christian principles rest.

Having faith doesn’t mean that life will be without challenges. It means trusting that God is with us through those challenges, guiding us and providing us with the strength to persevere.

Reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and participating in church activities can nurture this faith.

However, remember that faith isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It’s about constantly seeking God’s presence in your life and striving to live according to His teachings.

5) Hope for a better future

In a world that often seems filled with despair, the Christian principle of hope shines like a beacon. It’s the unwavering belief in a better future, one that is in God’s hands.

Hope is the confidence that no matter how difficult our present circumstances may be, there is always a brighter tomorrow awaiting us. It’s this hope that inspires us to carry on, even when the road gets tough.

Hope in Christian teachings isn’t about wishful thinking or blind optimism. It’s a grounded assurance based on our faith in God and His promises.

Remember, every sunrise brings a new day and every challenge holds the potential for growth. When you hold onto hope, you embrace the promise of a better tomorrow.

6) Embracing service

Service to others is a fundamental principle in Christian teachings. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own, and it’s a principle that I’ve found to be incredibly rewarding.

There was a period in my life when I felt disconnected and unfulfilled. Then I started volunteering at a local food bank. The experience was transformative. Serving those in need gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had been missing.

Whether it’s volunteering in your community, helping a neighbor, or simply being there for someone who needs a listening ear, service can take many forms.

The key is to serve not for recognition or reward, but out of love and compassion for others. In doing so, we not only make a difference in others’ lives but also enrich our own.

7) Gratitude is essential

Gratitude is another key principle in Christian teachings. It’s the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives.

From the air we breathe to the people we love, there are countless reasons to be grateful. And expressing this gratitude can change our perspective, making us more positive and content.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges. It means choosing to focus on the good amidst the difficulties.

Remember, gratitude isn’t just for the big things in life. It’s also about appreciating the small, everyday blessings that we often take for granted.

So whether it’s saying a prayer of thanks or keeping a gratitude journal, find a way to cultivate this essential Christian principle in your life.

8) Strive for spiritual growth

The ultimate goal of following Christian teachings is spiritual growth. It’s about becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.

This isn’t about achieving perfection, but about continual progress. It’s about learning from our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and striving to do better.

Spiritual growth often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and facing our fears. But remember, God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.

So whether it’s deepening your prayer life, studying the Bible more, or serving others, strive to grow spiritually each day. This journey may be challenging, but it is the most rewarding journey you will ever embark on.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

Embracing Christian teachings is more than adherence to a set of rules. It’s about embarking on a transformative journey.

This journey, shaped by principles such as love, forgiveness, humility, faith, hope, service, gratitude, and spiritual growth, is designed to mold us into better versions of ourselves.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in the Bible: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). This spiritual transformation is the ultimate goal of our Christian journey.

Whether it’s extending a helping hand to a neighbor, expressing gratitude for life’s blessings, or deepening your faith through prayer and study, every step you take on this journey counts.

So as you reflect on these principles and how to incorporate them into your life, remember that it’s not about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey and the person you become along the way.

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Graeme Richards

Graeme Richards

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