A Reminder: The Difference b/n Principle & Practice

We were reminded yesterday of the importance of knowing how to distinguish between principle & practice. Thanks to Jeff Hodgson for his insight. I know I have mentioned this before, but it is a great personal reminder.

Principle says, "this is the way it ought to be."
Practice says, "there are a number of ways to carry out the principle."

In our corporate worship service, we are exploring together the letters written to the church at Corinth. Currently we are in Chapter 7:17-ff. Yet this section can be difficult if not taken into perspective. I would like to offer some insight.

In verse 32, Paul begins an argument for celibacy. It is his preference that those who are unmarried would remain single, so that they be "concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord" (v. 32). His motive bursts forth in v. 35, "This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate & to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."

Here is where we see that the principle of being devoted to the Lord leads Paul to adopt the practice & preference of celibacy. But, we must be reminded that he points out their liberty towards practice, "but if you marry, you have not sinned" (v. 28). Paul attempts to help us avoid overemphasizing practice & reminds us to look at the principle.

A few quotes worth mentioning: (my paraphrase)

• "Jesus has inaugurated an eternal kingdom & it should be at the forefront of our minds."
  
• "Nothing should take precedence over that which is of utmost importance--the gospel."
• "Everything is different because of the gospel; everything should be viewed through the lens of the gospel."
  
• "We shouldn't try to find heaven in anything other than Him" (e.g. marriage, money, success, jobs)
• "This life should not be allowed to be the supreme thing in our lives."

This is another reminder to those of us who are recovering legalists who tend to emphasize the practice over the principle. Whether you homeschool & believe it is the only way to educate your children, or your wife stays at home as the homemaker, or you avoid restaurants that serve alcohol, or you listen only to worship music, or you don't "braid your hair, wear gold jewelry, or put on dresses" (note: men, I hope none of you are putting on dresses!), or you are careful to be present at church on every day that ends in "y" being careful not to "forsake the assembling," or you boycott Disney & reality television................ remember the principle.

And, the guiding principle should always be "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord."