Principals, promises and power

It’s easy to explain, from a Biblical point of view, the tremendous explosive following of Jordan Peterson. He teaches wisdom and insights gained from his clinical practice, and his wide archetypical readings. These include the Bible, but are not restricted to it. He uses the story of Pinocchio for example, to teach about the rewards and dangers of lying. His teaching can perhaps best be described by saying that honesty, integrity and discipline is its own reward. And as far as I can see all the principles he teaches can in some form be found in the Bible. I have found his teaching helpful in understanding the why, of these principles. As already mentioned some of his followers describe themselves as Christian atheist. They embrace the principles of the Bible, but not the theology. Peterson is filling the massive cultural void left by cultural relativism which tries desperately to deny Petersons and the Bible’s teaching, that there is bad fruit from bad choices, and good fruit from good choices (Galatians 6:7). Peterson then, is teaching the first components of this morning’s "trinity", namely principles.

Biblical principles are good, they show is the nature of reality, they show how life works and that these are the consequences of doing this or that. But they are not enough. Do I for example answer a fool according to his folly and be in danger of being like him, or do I not answer him and he be in danger of being wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 26:4, 5). As a recent convert, do I go to my old friends out of concern for their immortal souls, or I might I not yet be strong enough? Enter the promises! In James 1:5 we read “if anyone lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives liberally, and it will be given.” Jesus promises those who are weary and heavy laden, that if they go to Him, He will give them rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28). Many, many things are promised, and include peace, grace to help in times of need, comfort, strength etc., etc. But perhaps the most precious promise of all is the assurance of eternal life. Jesus, for example tells us “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).

In terms of power Paul, perhaps like many of us, tells of knowing what to do but not being able to do it, and knowing what not to do but doing it anyway. In frustration and anguish he cries out “Who will deliver me from this body of death.” He then answers his own question “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:19, 24, 25). In fact, when we fully surrender to Him, He works not only in the wherewithal to do what He requires, but also He works in changing our desires (Philippians 2:12, 13). But much, much greater power is also promised to the believer, the same power that was available to the early disciples (Luke 24:49), power to heal the sick, to cleanse the lepers, to cast out demons and even to raise the dead (Matthew 28:20; 10:8).

Father, I want to thank You this morning Lord for the principles, promises and the power that You have made available to us. We have yet to fully tap into all that You have provided Lord, I certainly have! Thank You Lord that You love us exactly as we are, but You love us far too much to leave us that we way. And I thank You Lord that I am confident that You have begun a good work in me will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1: 6). And I give you glory again this morning Lord, in His precious and holy and lovely Name Amen