God has a purpose for you, and part of that purpose is to grow—both in your relationship with Him and in your effectiveness in making a Kingdom Impact in this world. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on “7 Principles and 5 Life Skills” that are crucial for anyone who wants to walk closely with God and make a lasting impact.
Why 7 Life Principles?
Life is complex, and the path of faith is no different. But guess what? God has given us a roadmap, a set of guiding principles that can help us navigate the complexities of life while staying aligned with His will. These principles aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re practical truths you can apply every day. From seeking God wholeheartedly to keeping an eternal perspective, these principles are your go-to guide for a fulfilling, God-centered life.
What About the 5 Life Skills?
While principles give us the ‘what’ and ‘why,’ skills give us the ‘how.’ They’re the practical abilities you need to live out God’s principles effectively. Think of them as tools in your spiritual toolbox. Whether it’s developing self-awareness to better understand your weaknesses or planning long-term for Jesus and Kingdom impact, these skills are essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry.
The Synergy Between Principles and Skills
Here’s the beautiful part: these principles and skills are interconnected. For example, the principle of “Wholeheartedly Seek God” aligns perfectly with the life skill of “Self-awareness.” When you’re aware of your limitations and weaknesses, you can more wholeheartedly seek God’s strength. Similarly, the principle of “Have an Eternal Perspective” dovetails with the life skill of “Long-term Planning for Jesus and Kingdom Impact.” When your eyes are fixed on eternity, your plans naturally align with God’s Kingdom.
Who Is This For?
Whether you’re a new believer just starting your spiritual journey, a church leader aiming to empower your congregation, or even a seasoned missionary like myself, these principles and skills are universal. They’re for anyone who wants to grow in their faith, serve others effectively, and most importantly, deepen their relationship with God.
Life Skills and Spiritual Growth Assessment
The “Life Skills and Spiritual Growth Assessment” is a tool that is more than just a set of questions; it’s an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. The assessment is designed to help you gauge your current standing in various life skills and spiritual principles. By reflecting on your typical behavior and choices, you’ll gain valuable insights into areas where you excel and those that may need more focus.
Why Take This Assessment?
- Gauge Your Growth: Understand how far you’ve come in your personal and spiritual journey.
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Recognize the skills and principles where you naturally excel and those that need improvement.
- Focus Your Efforts: Use your results to concentrate on specific areas for growth, whether it’s improving emotional health, deepening your spiritual life, or enhancing self-awareness.
7 Life Principles
Principle #1: Wholeheartedly Seek God
Make pursuing an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ your top priority in life. Set aside regular time to seek Him through prayer, fasting from distractions, and studying and meditating on Scripture. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and guidance. God promises that He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him. A life wholeheartedly devoted to the passionate, persistent seeking of God leads to knowing Him deeply.
- Wholeheartedly Seek God
- Simulain #1: Buhay na Hanapin ang Diyos (Tagalog)
- Principe #1 : Cherchez Dieu de tout votre cœur (French)
Principle #2: God Has a Plan for You
God lovingly crafts a unique plan and purpose for each person, even before they are born. His plans are for good, not harm, to give hope and a future. No matter what others say about you or how unlikely it seems, trust that God sees your potential and has good works prepared for you to walk in. Do not allow outward appearance, status, or past mistakes to determine your value or derail God’s calling on your life.
- God Has a Plan for You
- Simulain #2: May Plano ang Diyos Para Sa Iyo (Tagalog)
- Principe #2 : Dieu a un plan pour vous (French)
Principle #3: Respond to God’s Timing
When God calls you to a task or assignment, respond with childlike faith and willingness, not logic or hesitation. Divine appointments and callings often defy human timing and reasoning. What matters most is how you respond, not how qualified you feel. Say yes to God’s call regardless of your age, background, or how long you’ve been a believer. Trust that in His timing and strength, He will mature and equip you spiritually for all He asks you to do.
- Respond to God’s Timing
- Simulain #3: Tumugon sa Tamang Panahon ng Diyos (Tagalog)
- Fepetra #3: Hamaly amin’ny fotoan’Andriamanitra (Malagasy)
Principle #4: Rely on God’s Strength
Humility involves acknowledging that you cannot accomplish God’s work in your power or abilities. Pray for His strength and empowerment to use you, despite personal weaknesses, limitations, and insecurities. Depend fully on the Holy Spirit to equip and guide you rather than self-effort. Remain open and submitted to God’s training and correction, allowing Him to shape your character and skills for the task. His power shines brightly through willing vessels.
- Rely on God’s Strength
- Simulain #4: Manalig sa Lakas ng Diyos (Tagalog)
- Hevitra #4: Mitokona amin’ny Hery Amin’Andriamanitra (Malagasy)
Principle #5: Count the Cost
Following Jesus requires total commitment and willingness to sacrifice comfort, relationships, reputation, and even your life. Count the high cost of discipleship and resolve that nothing is too precious to surrender for the sake of serving Christ. Embrace trials and suffering as a privileged opportunity to share in His sufferings and identify with Him. Keep an eternal perspective, knowing your present afflictions are producing eternal glory.
Principle #6: Step Into Your Calling
When God confirms direction through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances, walk confidently in the calling He has placed on your life. Do not allow fear of opposition or failure to deter you. Stand on God’s promises and discern His specific guidance for the assignment. Take bold faith-filled risks as you follow where He leads, trusting Him to open the right doors and provide resources. Be strong and courageous as you carry out your divine purpose.
- Step Into Your Calling
- Prinsipyo #6: Hakbangin ang Iyong Tawag (Tagalog)
- Principe #6 : Entrez dans votre vocation (French)
Principle #7: Have an Eternal Perspective
In the midst of earthly troubles and uncertainty, keep your eyes fixed on the eternal purposes of God. Recall how He has miraculously demonstrated His power and faithfulness in the past. Know that He is sovereign over every trial, using it to develop perseverance and maturity in you. Stand firm on His promises for the future, including the coming resurrection and paradise for those who overcome in Christ. Your current struggles are temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal joy and reward that awaits you.
- Have an Eternal Perspective
- Prinsipyo #7: Magkaroon ng Walang Hanggan ng Pananaw (Tagalog)
- Principe #7 : Avoir une perspective éternelle (French)
5 Life Skills
Life Skill #1: Self-awareness
Seeking God wholeheartedly requires awareness of personal weaknesses and limitations that keep us from Him. Self-awareness allows us to humbly surrender and rely on God’s strength rather than our own. We must be aware of misplaced priorities that lead us away from intimate communion with God.
- Self-awareness
- Kasanayang Pangbuhay #1: Sariling Pagkaunawa (Tagalog)
- Compétence de vie n°1 : La conscience de soi (French)
Life Skill #2: Emotional Health
An eternal perspective and understanding of God’s sovereignty fosters resilience and emotional health amidst trials. Fixing our eyes on Christ brings joy and peace that transcends circumstances. Releasing bitterness through forgiveness is key to emotional health.
- Emotional Health
- Kasanayang Pamumuhay #2: Emosyonal na Kalusugan
- Compétence de vie n°2 : La santé émotionnelle
Life Skill #3: Emotional Resilience
Counting the cost and willing sacrifice for God builds resilience to withstand persecution, suffering, and loss for Christ’s sake. Clinging to eternal hope produces endurance and inner strength to overcome present afflictions.
- Emotional Resilience
- Kasanayan sa Buhay #3: Katatagan ng Damdamin
- Compétence de vie n°3 : La résilience émotionnelle
Life Skill #4: Life Progress Development
Responding promptly to God’s call according to His timing, rather than our own human understanding, marks growth in maturity and obedience. Progress is revealed in increasingly aligning our priorities with His purposes.
- Life Progress Development
- Kasanayang Pangbuhay #4: Pag-unlad ng Progreso sa Buhay (Tagalog)
- Compétence de vie n°4 : Le développement de la progression de la vie (French)
Life Skill #5: Long-term Planning for Jesus and Kingdom Impact
Keeping an eternal perspective shifts focus to service in God’s kingdom versus earthly comforts. It leads to long-term planning to carry out our unique God-given callings for maximum impact on eternity. Our plans center on living for Christ’s glory, not our own.
- Long-term Planning for Jesus and Kingdom Impact
- Ang Kakayahang Pambuhay #5: Pangmatagalang Pagplano para sa Epekto sa Kaharian
- Compétence de vie n°5 : Planification à long terme pour un impact sur le Royaume