PrincipledMom™

He knows not how to rule a kingdome, that cannot manage a Province; nor can he wield a Province, that cannot order a City; nor he order a City, that knows not how to regulate a Village; nor he a Village, that cannot guide a Family; nor can that man govern well a Family that knows not how to Govern himselfe; neither can any Govern himselfe unless his reason be Lord, Will and Appetite her Vassals; nor can Reason rule unlesse herself be ruled by God; and (wholy) obedient to Him.  --Hugo Grotius, 1654

This sums up nicely this principle. We are governed from within. It is our internal thoughts that determine our external actions. If we cannot well govern ourselves then how can we govern any other sphere? This is based on individuality because we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions. It is individual accountability.

God must be at the center or my will and appetite will be immoral (contrary to God's laws). When He is placed front and center and we reason from His Word, that life and governmental philosophy will flow out to all spheres.

Educationally we apply this principle in that "God's law is the requirement of the heart." It is up to God to bring the changes needed for a child to grow into a proper citizen of His Kingdom. Ways we can manifest this principle:

• accountaibility for property, thoughts and actions
• requiring reasonable behavior
• classroom (and home) environment control
• all of the things that form the basis for a Christian Republic

To some Christians the idea of "self-government" may have pagan undertones. We are to be governed by Christ. And self-government is "me-centered". But Christian self-government acknowledges the lordship of Christ and that He is the one aiding us in governing ourselves. He has given us dominion and over and over in His Word He instructs us on how to govern ourselves. He dedicated the entire book of Provebs alone to instruction on self-government. We are responsible for our own thought and actions (principle 1), so we must take an active role and be self-governed.

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This is the first in a 7-part series for step 8, covering each of the 7 biblical Principles of America's Christian History and Government. They are not at all meant to be comprehansive, but merely some of my thoughts on these principles as I read each section in A Guide to American Christian Education.

"Everything in God's universe is revelational of God's infinity, God's diversity, God's individuality. God creates distinct individualities. God maintains the identity and individuality of everything which He created." Rosalie Slater,  GACE p. 31

God created us in His image as unique individuals, with an outward identity amd inward individuality (p. 31) His Kingdom is based on individuality--salvation, service, relationship--we are all responsible for ourselves. You can see here why this principle is the one from which all the others spring. I am responsible for my own thoughts and actions, soo the other principles at work will spring from this most basic idea. It's about me. And without the help of Christ we are hopelessly doomed to fail. (There is a vast difference between Christian individuality and human individualism.)

Educationally we can easily apply this principle. We see individuality (or the lack of it) in classrooms and homes all across the globe. I believe those that celebrate, encourage and require individuality are those that are the most successful. Individuality is seen in:

• individual subjects
• individual students
• individual work
• individual accountability

This is one of my favorite principles across the subjects because it is so readily seen:

• Mathematics: individuality of numbers and equations
• Science: individuality of creatures and processes
• Literature: individuality of authors and their works
• English: individuality of letters and words
• History: individuality of men and nations
• Geography: individuality of the Earth and its construct
• Art: individulity of artists and their works
• Music: individuality of musicians and their compositions

It is one of the most exciting principles, and one of the easiest to readily see. It will change your life when you meditiate on the idea that God created you in a unique and special way, with a plan in mind.

Starting with Me

God made me special--

Like no one else you see.

God made me a witness

To His diversity.

                                               --Rosalie Slater

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