What is a principle? By definition, a principle is a basic truth that serves as a foundation for a belief or chain of reasoning. We often teach about the laws and principles found in scriptures, but I would like to explain the logic involved in studying these principles. 

These are the steps I apply in my studies: 1. Observation and pattern recognition; 2. Distillation and Application; 3. Extrapolation; 4. Integration 

Here’s an example: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 is often quoted out of context to show the effect your thoughts have on your reality; however, the principle is sound. We can use observations in other scriptures such as Luke 6:45 to recognize the common truth that what we hold inside of us is what we manifest outside of ourselves. 

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” Luke 6:45 

We can also observe this principle outside scripture in the teachings of others, in observing our own experiences, and in looking back in history to analyze the causes, effects and patterns that got us here. 

Once we recognize the patterns, we can move to distilling or refining the principle down into its core truths. In this case that would be, “What a man thinks, he becomes.” This is the principle we see working in James 1:15 wherein thoughts and desires lead to action or “sin” and that action bears fruit. 

So, now that distilled the principle into a working concept, how do we apply it? The first, and most important way in this case would be to renew our minds and our thoughts. But how? 

Steps 3 and 4. Extrapolate and integrate or, in other words, look at where we can use this knowledge and to what extent, then make it a part of our belief system. I like to use “If, then” statements when I extrapolate. Such as “If what I think is what I become, then if I change what I think about I can change what I become”. We see this in Colossians 3:9-10, “seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” 

And also, in Romans chapter 8 where Paul talks about setting our mind on things of the Spirit so that we can be led by the Spirit. 

We can also apply this principle toward other outcomes we might desire. For example, if we want to be mature, then we must think like those who are mature. 

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 

This means considering cost, consequences, responsibilities, and nuances that are attached to things, among other things. There are more extrapolations to be made, but we cannot stop at the crafting of a philosophy; we must integrate and embody it. 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 

Knowing that you have the ability to change your mind and actually changing it are two different things. To integrate this principle, you must actively focus your mind on thinking like Jesus thinks and actively working to understand Holy Spirit’s instruction. Remember, you have been given the mind of Christ, and you were called to be like Him. This is not an aspirational task; this is the starting point of maturity that the Church was instated to help you achieve. 

This is the process and logic that I use when attempting to understand the principles that underlie everything from theology and scripture to philosophy and mystical teachings and even to creation itself through observation and contemplation. Observe, distil, extrapolate, and integrate. These skills are powerful tools that can drastically change your life if applied consistently. 

-Blessings, Johnny Trail