This fictional story is based on documented biblical events from the Apostle Paul's journeys. It is a creative imagining of what could have taken place during one of those historical voyages. It's not meant to infer or take the place of any biblical account.

Standing on the docks in the bustling port city of Corinth, the seasoned Apostle Paul found himself once again in the precarious position of needing passage across the unpredictable Mediterranean Sea. His tireless missionary journeys had taken him to distant lands, and he had become all too familiar with the sudden and unpredictable changes and nature of the sea. (2 Corinthians 11:25)

In those days, ships designed exclusively for passengers were as rare as a calm sea in a storm. Travelers like Paul had to rely on the goodwill of merchant ships willing to take on passengers. Considering this, finding a suitable vessel was a challenging process that involved inquiring among the bustling docks, searching for any ship bound in the right direction. (Acts 21:2, 3)

Paul, his gaze scanning the bustling harbor, was in a hurry to reach Ephesus, where the rapidly increasing Christian community needed his guidance and encouragement. Sea travel had its advantages; it could save precious time, but it came with its share of serious and immediate danger.

Sea travel, Paul knew, was influenced by the seasons and the ever-changing desires of sailors. Many were the masters of their domain, and they had no strict timetables to follow. In those days, the idea of "the customer is always right" was nothing more than a plot of a fairytale told to children. Sea captains held ultimate authority, having the right to discipline or even remove disobedient passengers. They also controlled the schedules, with ships setting sail whenever the winds were favorable, often guided by superstitions. A raven's croak from the system of ropes, cables, and chains employed to support a ship's masts or the sight of wreckage on the shore could indefinitely delay a voyage.

As Paul waited by the harbor with his baggage, his thoughts turned to the central theme that had become a cornerstone of his teachings: the difference between rigid rules and adaptable principles, always allowing Jehovah to guide your steps. Paul knew that principles are living, essential truths, and wise Christians learn to embrace them. Regarding everyday aspects of life, the apostle Paul said: "Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Direction based solely on rigid rules, he reflected, was like trying to navigate a ship through treacherous waters with a fixed, unyielding rudder. These rules were of a similar nature to a rigid steering mechanism that could only point the ship in one direction. While they offered a sense of stability and predictability, a stiff rudder lacked the adaptability to account for changing currents, unexpected obstacles, or varying conditions at sea.

On the other hand, direction guided by well-thought-out principles was similar to sailing with a skilled captain who wielded a flexible, yet responsive rudder. These principles resembled the captain's deep understanding of navigation, seamanship, and the ever-changing dynamics of the sea. They provided a guiding framework that allowed for quick adjustments and decisions based on the specific circumstances encountered. It enabled the ship to navigate safely and effectively, adapting to the challenges and opportunities that arose.

It's safe to assume that Paul knew that just as the rigid rudder limited a ship's ability to respond to the dynamic nature of the sea, rigid rules in directing a Christian could hinder one’s adaptability and innovation. In contrast, principles provided the ability to move quickly and easily, a more agile and nuanced approach to governing, allowing for better responses to the complexities of the modern world.

For instance, instead of making strict rules about how we should dress, Jehovah has given us principles to follow. He wants us to dress in a way that is suitable for people who serve God, and that means being reasonable, not showing off too much, and displaying a “soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10) The principle is not to draw undue attention to ourselves by how we dress so that, to not draw attention away from our message about God and His Kingdom. This way, elders don't have to make lots of specific rules about what clothes or hairstyles to choose. We can just remember these simple ideas to help resolve issues without the need to make a rule.

As the official departure announcement echoed through the bustling harbor, signaling the imminent departure of a merchant ship willing to take on passengers, Paul's thoughts crystallized. He would board this vessel, not just as a traveler but as a living testament to the power of adaptable principles in navigating the tumultuous seas of his missionary journey.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)