7 Steps to Victory. 12 Keys to Biblical Success. 15 Principles for Life. These are the types of sermons that I hear more and more. Indeed, they’re the types of sermons I’ve preached myself. Books with these kinds of titles line the shelves at your average bookstore. And although the content of such messages is often solid, the packaging is such that it subtly shifts you from a Jesus-centered life to a principle-centered life. 

A life built on principles alone robs you of an interactive relationship with Jesus. We start to think that as long as we follow the 7 key principles, we’ll be all right. As long as we do these 12 steps then we’ll succeed. Why do we need to ask Jesus what we should do, when it’s spelled out for us in 7 snazzy sound bites? If we’re not careful, we’ll simply substitute the Old Testament law with New Testament principles. But that was never God’s intention.  

“So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4). 

We died to the law, not only now to be united with principles, but with Christ himself. He calls us to participate in him, by the power of the Spirit. Jesus isn’t a set of principles to learn and practice, but a person to love and pursue. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).

Don't start with this question: "How can I be a good Christian?" Rather, start with Jesus. Talk to him. Talk with him today. He’s alive. He’s with you right now. In fact, stop whatever you’re doing right now. Stop reading this. And say, “Hello Jesus. Welcome into my day.”