7 Basic Life Principles That Lead Us To Christ

This devotional explores seven timeless principles—simple but powerful truths that lead us to Christ. Each one acts like a stepping stone, guiding us closer to the heart of God.

1. The Principle of Truth – Facing Reality Honestly

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

We live in a world full of filters—Instagram filters, fake smiles, polite lies. But facing the truth about ourselves is the first step toward freedom. Truth begins with admitting: “I am not perfect, and I cannot fix myself.”

Imagine a sick man who refuses to see a doctor because he doesn’t want to hear bad news. His illness grows worse, not because the doctor is cruel, but because he avoids the truth. In the same way, when we deny the reality of sin, we stay sick spiritually. When we compare ourselves to bad criminals out there and tell ourselves that we are not that bad after all, then we deceptively slip into a state of self righteousness and begin denying the need for healing.

Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). Facing truth doesn’t condemn us—it sets us free (John 8:32).

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you find yourself avoiding the truth about your weaknesses or failures?
2. Why do you think admitting sin is so hard for people?
3. How does knowing Jesus is the Truth bring security instead of fear?

2: The Principle of Humility – Admitting Our Need

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Pride whispers: “I’m fine on my own.” Humility admits: “I need God.”

Picture two people drowning in the sea. One waves desperately for help acknowledging that he cannot make it on his own, the other stubbornly insists he can swim and keeps trying hard—even as he sinks. Only the one who humbles himself will be rescued.

The tax collector in Luke 18:13 beat his chest and prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said he, not the proud Pharisee, went home justified.

I used to be a very proud and arrogant person. I had this prideful mindset that I could do anything anybody else did, and do it better. And I carried this pride into my walk with Christ. I began to be very critical of church leaders, pastors, and preachers. It took years of God’s divine discipline through hardships and failures for me to realize that pride was my issue. I began to see why others were being used by God more than me. It was not their skills or talent, but their humility. Today, God has brought me to a place spiritually where I consider everyone else better than myself. I am nothing without Christ and I can do nothing without Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life are you tempted to “do it all yourself”?
2. Why does humility open the door for God’s grace?
3. How can you practice humility today in a practical way?

3: The Principle of Repentance – Turning Away From Sin

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” (Acts 3:19)

Repentance is more than regret—it’s a U-turn. It’s like driving fast toward a cliff, then realizing the danger, jamming on your brakes and turning around.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) wasted everything on reckless living. But repentance began the moment he decided to return to his father. His change of direction led to forgiveness and restoration.

When you truly understand repentance and begin to practice it, you will realize that living a Christian life is a daily battle. It can wear you out and exhaust you. But when you learn to fight and overcome through faith in Christ, life suddenly becomes exciting and adventurous. You begin to hear God’s voice. You begin to understand what being led by the Spirit means. You being to discern things and you begin to make wise decisions. All of God’s blessings begin to manifest in your life, when you repent and turn to God with the intention of walking in obedience to God’s way of life.

Reflection Questions:

1. What’s the difference between feeling sorry and truly repenting?
2. What area of your life needs a “U-turn”?
3. How does the story of the Prodigal Son encourage you?

4: The Principle of Faith – Trusting in Christ Alone

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Faith is like sitting on a chair—you don’t just admire it, you put your whole weight on it. Saving faith means putting your whole trust in Jesus, not in yourself or your good deeds.

Think of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14). At first, he trusted Jesus fully. But when he looked at the waves, fear sank him. Faith is keeping your eyes on Christ, not the storm.

Sometimes, in the midst of life’s challenges, it is easy for us to take our eyes off of Jesus and rely on our own smarts. Often we turn to prayer and trusting in God as a last resort while it should be the first response. When people struggle with sin and guilt sets in, they tend to turn away from God instead or running “to” Him. He is the only one who can help you. Why run away from your only source of hope?

He loved you and gave His life for you long before you were even born. He loved you first. Faith is realizing that since you now know Christ, you are not doing life alone. No matter what challenges you face, you have someone to run to, share your burdens, and know that He will see you through. He will never leave you nor forsake you, IF you don’t run away from Him.

In the midst of challenges, people turn to lawyers, businessmen, counsellors, doctors, experts, and worldly people. At last when nothing works, they turn to God. I say, first turn to God and then do as He says. He may very well direct you to experts, but first ask Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some things you’ve been tempted to trust instead of Christ?
2. Why is faith necessary and not just “good works”?
3. What does Peter’s story teach you about keeping your eyes on Jesus?

5: The Principle of Grace – Receiving God’s Gift

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Grace is undeserved favor. You can’t earn it, buy it, or trade for it. You only receive it.

Imagine being in court, guilty of a crime, expecting the sentence. But the judge is your own father. The father being a judge has to declare you guilty and read out the punishment. But then, the judge also pays the fine and endures the punishment himself. You can do nothing in that bargain, except express deep gratitude and walk free. That’s grace. Jesus took our punishment and offered us His righteousness.

Grace is not a license to go and sin more. Quite the opposite actually. Grace is the God given power to set you free from sin. It is because of Grace that you actually CAN SAY NO! to temptations. When you understand the gift of grace, you will walk in freedom and love. When you know how much grace has been shown toward you, you will be gracious to others when they are at fault too. Jesus said, “He who is forgiven much, loves much”.

When you meet a very humble Christian, know that, you just met someone who has received an abundance of grace from Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do many people struggle to accept God’s grace?
2. How is grace different from “religion” or “trying to be good enough”?
3. What does it mean for you personally that grace is a gift?

6: The Principle of Obedience – Following Christ Daily

“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)

Obedience is love in action. It’s not about legalism but loyalty to the One who saved us.

Jesus was absolutely right when He said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands”. Perhaps we don’t love Him as much as we think we do. We still love some of the sin that gives us pleasure and relief. We still love some of the worldly luxuries. Our loyalty is divided. We want to be part of God’s Kingdom, but we also want some of the world. We want to reject the bad in the world, but cling on to the harmless good, and we also want all of God’s Kingdom.

But God wants us to cut ourselves off from everything in this world and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

A child who trusts their father will obey his warnings—like not touching a hot stove. God’s commands are not restrictions but protections. When we obey, we walk in blessing and freedom. Obedience to God is critical and KEY to experiencing the blessings of God.

Obedience is key to hearing God’s voice, hearing God in response to your prayers, feeling fulfilled and content, worshipping in spirit and truth, making godly and wise decisions, having all your needs met, and anything else that you aspire for from walking with God. Obedience is key.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you usually respond when God’s Word challenges your lifestyle?
2. What’s one area where you sense God calling you to obedience right now?
3. How does obedience demonstrate love, not duty?

7: The Principle of Hope – Living With Eternal Perspective

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Life can feel crushing, but hope in Christ changes everything. It reminds us this world is temporary. Paul said, “If Christ did not rise from the dead, then all our faith is useless”. Our entire Christian faith, going to church, worshipping the Lord, living a Christian life, and everything else we do as a Christian is a waste of time if Christ did not rise from the dead. BUT HE DID!!! That is proof of His claims and His promises. That gives us hope that we do have eternal life. Death is not the end. There is a life after and we are going to live forever, with Him, in eternity.

If that be the case, shouldn’t we be living everyday with an eternal perspective?

Think of a marathon runner. Even though the race is exhausting, the finish line keeps them going. Likewise, the hope of eternal life gives us strength to endure trials today.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does hope in Christ give you strength in hard times?
2. What’s the difference between worldly hope (“I wish”) and biblical hope (“I am certain”)?
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus anchor your hope?

These 7 principles form a pathway to intimacy with Christ. At the end of this journey, you’re faced with a choice. Will you keep walking in your own strength, or will you step onto the path that leads to Christ? The invitation is open. The decision is yours.