Biblical Principles Starting Line

I am currently training for my certification in Biblical Counseling through the Biblical Counseling Center (BCC) under the direction of Dr. Ron Allchin. BCC is a center that counsels under the authority and sufficiency of the Bible and the Bible alone. Taking principles found in God’s Word and applying them in a way that is appropriate to the situational context, full of grace and love, and having patience for all (1 Thessalonians 5:14), lives are being changed and restored to the life God intended people to live.

Initially, I didn’t feel confident in my abilities to help people. Maybe it was my lack of knowledge, maybe it was the fear of feeling inadequate to help others when I know how imperfect my life is. Probably a combination of those and the truth that I can’t help anyone on my own. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

The reality is that it is God who brings the change in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of His Holy Word. Our responsibility is only to share with those who are seeking counsel what it is that God has already said about their situation and what principles He has already laid out as perfect wisdom.

I am currently studying through the book of Colossians. It is such a rich, Christ-centered, practical book that is pretty short and easy to digest. As I was reading today, particularly in chapter 3, it occurred to me that this chapter is a great starting line for a believer who is wondering what to prioritize in strengthening his or her personal relationship with Christ. It is also a wonderful picture of the life change that happens when a person submits their life to the authority of Christ and God’s Word. Listen to some of Paul’s (and God’s) words:

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…Put on then as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you…Colossians 3:1-2,5,12-13 (ESV)

I am not sure it gets any more simple than that as to what our lives as Christ followers should look like. As you dig into each of those attributes, there is so much more to be discovered but even if we just try to live the life pictured in those words, what a great start that would be.

What in God’s Word has been an encouragement to you lately? What biblical principles have helped you grow in Christ?