Thursday, June 17, 2010

Principles Transend Programs

Many of you have probably heard of Michael Pollan’s three simple principles for healthy eating: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

That got me to wondering what a few simple principles for physical exercise might be. I came up with this: “Move. Intensely at times. Often with resistance.”

And that got me to wondering what a few simple principles for faith might be. The following came to mind: “Be Devoted. Worship. Practice in life. Repeat.”

Simple, isn’t it?

Please remember this: Principles Transcend Programs.

Don’t get me wrong; some programs benefit some people. Testimonies abound about this program or that helping this person or that. Many people have found their lives transformed by following one program or another. Perhaps you’re one of them. If so, I’m happy for you.

Yes, sometimes programs truly are the catalyst that gets a person off-center and moving toward a more productive, healthier and perhaps even more faith-filled life. I’m not here to knock any program in particular.

But here’s the thing: programs don’t last. Principles do.

Sure, we can follow a particular diet ‘program’ for 8 or 12 weeks or whatever. And that might be a great start. If it works, use it. But healthy eating principles are there for the long-run. It is those principles (upon which a good diet should be based) that make for a lifestyle.

Same goes for exercise. The Internet, bookstores, and airwaves are full of various exercise ‘programs.’ Some of them have helped produce some outstanding results. But good basic exercise principles transcend them all.

Even faith practices often times get ‘programmed.’ One of the most successful faith programs was “40 Days of Purpose” by Rick Warren. Even though promotional materials went to great pains to say that it wasn’t just a ‘program,’ that’s how many people understood it. And it was actually a great program. I even helped lead it in a church I once served. I’m not knocking it. But for many of the people who participated, those 40 days are over! Now what?

Principles. That’s what. Find or develop good, healthy, wholesome and lasting principles related to the most important aspects of life. The simpler, the better.

If you happen to find a ‘program’ that follows these or similar principles and you wish to try it. Fine.

But just remember, principles transcend programs. Not the other way around.

In Christ,
Pastor Kent

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