Often we engage in conversations of what does it take to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We know it takes faith and the love of God. The following are essential spiritual principles to adhere to while growing in the grace of Christ Jesus. These principles are summarized from James Chapter 1.
Spiritual Principle: Temptation bring patience, patience builds faith
We are to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations. Sufferings, trials, and problems are forms of temptation, which God allows in our life. Temptations test our faith in God and keep us before him in prayer. We learn to trust that Jesus will take us through. It is a joy because we do not suffer alone; we believe that the power of Christ is with us. The endurance through temptations, give us strength. The word teaches us not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which will try you. In turn, patience makes us want for nothing because we believe in due time God will answer our prayer.
Spiritual Principle: Ask God for wisdom
We must have a daily request for wisdom. In the natural, wisdom is having good judgment and common sense. In the spiritual, wisdom is the pursuit and the trust of God’s word. If anyone lacks wisdom, we are commanded to ask God, who will give it freely.
Spiritual Principle: Endure temptation
When we are drawn by our own lust and enticed, this is a form of temptation. When lust is conceived it brings on sin and sin brings on death. Blessed is the man that endures temptation. A crown of life is promised from the Lord. The crown represents the fullness of eternity. The redeemed of the Lord will be given different rewards of recognition in heaven. This one is so triumphant because the victory was won over the desire of the flesh.
Spiritual Principle: Every good and perfect gift comes from God
Everything that God does is perfect. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is no variableness in God. Daily we pray for God’s will to be manifested in our life. Therefore, we understand that whatever his response is, it is perfect. It may not be the answer we want, but God makes no mistakes. His promises are yea and amen.
Spiritual Principle: Believers are quick to hear the word, slow to speak, slow to wrath
We are to be swift to hear the word of God. Slow to speak, we are careful in what and how we engage in conversation. The Preacher Solomon wrote there is a time to speak and a time to keep silence. Every word does not require a response. It is advised to pray and meditate on what to say before a word is spoken. When we are slow to wrath, we will avoid anger and fights. Anger hurts people and in turn we hurt ourselves. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. The wrath of man does not work righteousness of God.
Spiritual Principle: Be a hearer and a doer of the word
We must become hearers and doers of the word of God. It is through the word that we understand the power of salvation. When we allow the word to take root, we become doers of the word. The word becomes alive in us. The perfect law of liberty will be engrafted in our hearts. We are blessed, when we learn to live the word that we hear.
Spiritual Principle: Pure religion is undefiled
Our religion is always noticed. It is said that actions speak louder than words. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Simply, pure religion is to have the mind to serve others and to refrain from following ways that are contrary to the will of God.
Path of Righteousness Church in Christ, Inc 