Principle(s) is “a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works.” Principles are abstract realities that reside in the human mind but find expression in human actions. In other words, principles are generally true because they have been tried and proven over time. Principles are not exclusive to human organizations; they are also highly instructive in believers’ walk with God, helping them to maximize their connection with Him. Jesus continued His Sermon on the Mount by imparting some kingdom principles that, when followed, will have the desired effect on Christians’ relationship with God.

It is important to reiterate that these principles were already being practised by the Jews (Pharisees and Sadducees); hence, Jesus has not come to condemn them but to teach how to better improve the practice, especially with a correct heart and motive. They will enjoy the maximum benefit of these principles if they adhere to them. Below is an examination of the principles:

1. Principle of Giving (Matthew 6:1-4)

The Pharisees practised this principle before Jesus’ teachings to win over God’s favour and people’s admiration. They are careless about what God thought of their generosity, their motive for giving, or the condition of their hearts. In the hopes that God would be kind to them, the Pharisees gave out in the open, where people might see and commend them. But Jesus enhanced the application of the giving principle. He intentionally emphasized that while giving to the impoverished is a good idea, the manner and intention of doing so no matter as much as the actual deed. This suggests that giving originates from the heart.

Truths about Giving

• Give confidentially: Do not disclose to a third party that you are performing the act.
• Consider the reason for your giving. Stop yourself as soon as possible. Self-glorification (giving to receive praise) is noticed.
• Make sure God sees your deed of giving as an act from a good and godly heart. (Proverbs 16:2)

2. Principle of Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)

Jesus purposefully instructed. It “was originally uttered, authored and verbally rendered by Jesus Christ-which is why we call it the Lord’s Prayer”. When applied correctly, the Lord’s prayer model is ideal, guaranteeing that prayers will be answered as they would have been said in line with God’s Will.

It is imperative to understand that Jesus did not establish the practice of reciting the Lord’s Prayer every time it was time to pray. He only provided a model or pattern for prayer, which orders the following: thanksgiving, adoration, confession of sin, the admittance of God’s forgiveness, petition, and praise. The main thing is to ensure all the parts of the Lord’s Prayer are prayed; strict observance of the order may not be necessary.

Truths about Praying

• Avoid praying in public to show off as someone who can or enjoys prayer. Doing so would be hypocritical.
• A private prayer is as effective as a public prayer. According to Romans 8:27, God knows everything a person thinks and feels.
• Offer sincere prayers straight from your heart; avoid dragging on and on in your prayers.
• Prayers that may be answered must originate from the heart of believers and not as part of some religious routine.
• These believers acknowledge God’s supremacy and Fatherhood (as the Source, Sustainer, and Defender), approach Him with reverence, and prioritize His kingdom and will.

3. Principle of Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)

Fasting may traditionally be defined as depriving oneself of food and drinks for a time. Some of these include white fasting (abstaining from consuming food and drinks with added seasonings such as peppers, oil, and the like, or sugar. Kinds of fasting include intermittent fasting (eating occasionally), dry fasting (Abstaining from taking any food or water) and fasting from events (doing without social activities or social media).

It is imperative to assert unequivocally that adhering to the fasting principle does not guarantee that one’s prayers and petitions will be granted. Instead, it is a discipline that refines the souls of believers and expedites their journey to God’s presence/secret place, where blessings await them. The primary outcome of fasting is the development of the believer’s inner man and spiritual standing.

God commanded the Jews to fast on the Day of Atonement Leviticus 23:27; the early Church observed this fast, as did Jesus. Consequently, the Pharisees observed fasts at least would see and commend them.

Truths about Fasting

• Refrain from activities that could divert your attention from your complete commitment and worship of God.
• Fasting, like giving and praying, must be done discreetly.
• Look good and well during your fast.
• Remember that fasting is a means to God’s presence, not amend to it.
• Do not be hypocritical when fasting; doing so deprives one of the benefits and rewards.
• Assess your health to determine how long to fast.

4. Principle of Wealth Control (Matthew 6:19-24)

God wants both material and monetary possessions (wealth). But God cares about how riches are used. People’s attitude towards wealth often speaks volumes about their relationship with God. This idea has been misinterpreted over time, leading people to believe that Jesus intended for believers to live in poverty on earth to store up their wealth in heaven. This interpretation is untrue. Instead, God wants believers to maximize the wealth He gives them for His cause.

Believers are meant to possess wealth; wealth should not possess believers-it is a sin of idolatry. Meanwhile, as the Pharisees did in Bible times, questionable self-proclaimed preachers in contemporary times have also exploited this passage to amass the wealth of their followers, misrepresenting it as the Kingdom of Heaven, in which they must make investments. Jesus imparted the principle of wealth management to His audience to correct the heresy.

Truths about How to Manage Wealth

• Maximize your resources to increase God’s influence on earth.
• Do not live for earthly possessions, as it may end in catastrophic loss and yield no return on investment.
• Wealth can take hold of a believer’s heart and deprive them of their freedom. Your heart is where your riches are.
• A believer’s final worth is determined by how much resources they invest in the things of God Matthew 6:19.
• Love of worldly possessions results in spiritual poverty.
• Believers should use their material and financial resources for the glory of God, supporting charitable causes, empowering individuals, and supporting missionaries.

 5. Principle of Absolute Trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34)

Humanity has been living in the depravity of mind since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, which has led them to chase and worry about what is ahead. Humans worry about the basic needs to be secure in their wealth acquisition. Everything else, except for man, depends on God. Humans are to worry about these things because they have been redeemed from human depravity.

Truths about Having Absolute Trust in God

• Choose to put your trust in the unseen above your visible worries.
• Believers have a Father who values them beyond all other creations and knows their needs.
• Worry is worthless and does not distinguish believers from unbelievers.
• Worry robs believers of the joy of both the now and the future.