Living by the Word: 12 Practical Principles for Christian Living

by Seth M. Jones

What if your life reflected not just belief in Jesus—but the way He lived?

Living by the Word invites you to go beyond inspiration and into transformation—by grounding your life in the timeless wisdom of Scripture and the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

Through twelve essential principles—including Love, Wisdom, Self-Control, and Trust—you’ll discover a framework for spiritual growth, personal integrity, and everyday faithfulness. Each chapter is rooted in biblical truth, shaped by the life of Jesus, and designed to help you live what you believe.

Inside You’ll Find:

Twelve Core Principles, drawn from Scripture and the life of Christ
Historical and Modern Examples, showing these truths in action
Practical Application, with clear steps for real-world impact
Modern-Day Parables, connecting timeless wisdom to daily life
Reflection Prompts, to deepen spiritual understanding and personal growth

This book is more than a guide—it’s a call to live differently. To follow Jesus not just in belief, but in action. To build a life that is anchored, purposeful, and overflowing with the fruit of a faith lived out.

If you're ready to walk in step with God’s Word, Living by the Word is your next step forward.

Genres: Faith, Christian

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2025

About the author

Seth M. Jones is a follower of Jesus, a veteran, and a man shaped by both the corporate world and the call to ministry. His journey has taken him from leadership in the financial sector to pastoral ministry, and now into a new season of writing, mentoring, and investing in people wherever God opens the door.

He is the founding Board Chair of No Longer Fatherless, a youth mentorship organization close to his heart, and previously served as Executive Director at Thrive Community Church in Port Orange, Florida—a community he continues to love and support.

Seth holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Liberty University and is passionate about helping others live out biblical principles in practical, meaningful ways. His books reflect that calling—inviting readers to align their lives with Scripture in a way that is grounded, honest, and transformative.

Above all, Seth is most grateful for his wife, his daughter, and the daily opportunity to live a life marked by purpose, service, and faithfulness.

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant Bible study that covered some unique topics and offered practical guidance for modern Christians.
Thanks be to God
🙏🏼 🕊️ ❤️

[Aaron Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say this book read like a glorified devotional, but let me explain what I mean. Devotionals are pleasant. They give you something short and sweet to ponder, but they're generally short and a hit or miss. Seth takes a simple thought, like a devotional, and it's thought provoking and profound, but then he shifts the diamond a bit and you get an even deeper grasp and thought than you had before, and he does it again with each and every principle. It's very well done. The chapters are not long and drawn out. I especially appreciated that his Scripture references were not stereotypical, but rich. He presents an idea, lays out a nice compact thought, provides a historical example/connection, allows you to imagine what it could look like in your own life, and circles back around to the thought he opened with. Brilliant. Brilliant! I was a big fan of Dr. Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, and Dr. Peterson even uses quite a bit of Scripture in his secular book, and although good, I always felt there would need to be some changes if a Christian were to do a book like 12 Rules for Life. Seth has done it, and I wouldn't change a thing. I have an ongoing list of books I believe every follower of Jesus should read, and this book has made that list. A 'glory-fied' devotional indeed. See what I did there?

[Hope Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in from the start with its warm, relatable writing and easy-to-follow format. Each chapter focuses on a core principle like Love, Wisdom, or Trust, and offers real-life examples that bring Scripture to life in such a meaningful way.

The chapter on Trust really stuck with me. It included a beautiful image of a child standing at the edge of a ledge, leaping into her father’s arms without hesitation, completely confident he would catch her. That story perfectly captured what it means to surrender and fully trust God. It was powerful and freeing to be reminded that I don’t have to carry everything on my own.

Living by the Word isn’t just inspiring, it’s practical and transformational. It’s helping me live more intentionally and faithfully, one step at a time.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a deeply moving and insightful read, the perfect book to close out my year with a heart anchored in faith. Living by the Word stands as one of the most powerful and spiritually enriching books I’ve read, and its teachings are ones I’ll carry with me for the rest of my days. It is beautifully in-depth, completely rooted in Scripture, and overflowing with truth and wisdom. I especially loved the real-life case studies showing how these principles don’t only transform lives in the Bible, but continue to shape the lives of ordinary people like us today. The twelve principles are explained with clarity, supported by Scripture, strengthened by biblical stories, and affirmed through testimonies of lives changed by living according to God’s Word. This book has truly been life-changing for me, and it is one I’ll keep returning to and recommending often.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

What a refreshing book to read
Great in encouragement, and in the breakdown of the assorted principles.
This is not one of those books trying to get you into the "anointing" target a book with solid principles, one that refreshed my soul, places my feet back on the path.
Than you for taking the time

[Rick Splinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening the ever increasing transformation

The language in the turn of phrase spoke to my spirit. Only the Bible reaches me more than this. I will read it a number of times this is one of the better if not best books I’ve read on discipleship.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foundation of faith

A great book on Christian living, that touches on some important Christian principles. I loved how the author gave examples from the bible and from some well known figures who walked the walk of faith.
I recommend highly.

[Sue Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

This is a very very important. It will make you think about how you're living your life and teaches you what you can do to be a more loving and faithful. It will teach you how to trust in God for everything.

[Delanie Karim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

This is a must read for everyone who is a follower of Jesus! The principles apply to every moment in life. Well written and wonderfully executed. Please write more books. God bless you

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living by the Word could make a good Bible Study choice. Each chapter could be expanded by extended study of the scripture presented at the beginning of the chapter.

This is an inspirational book that I plan to read again but more slowly, as a study read, concentrating on the scripture verses presented and their application to the chapter theme. A lot of thought provoking ideas on how to live a more grounded spiritual life. Each chapter begins with a scripture followed by a current day story parable, these are interwoven through that chapter presenting one of the 12 specific principles.

[Jeanne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Guide for Living a Full Life

I found this book a wonderful grounding guide for living a full, rich life. It isn’t “Preachy” but rather a gentle guideline for pleasing God as we navigate our Earthly lives.
Thank you and God’s blessings on you for sharing your spiritual wisdom and biblical excerpts to help those of us who need a “little nudge” to keep walking in righteousness.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This book is truly exceptional, in that it gives you the Scriptural Principles, explains them, but better yet, show you how to live them out in real life! I love that about it. It is transformative when you take it to heart and DO it.
A book i believe i will refer to often, as it so clearly shows HOW to live it out. Convicting as well as instructive. Very useful!
Highly recommend it to anyone who truly wants to understand and live the principles.

[Dwight Larkins, Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read full of biblical wisdom

This was a great read, and I appreciated the author’s ability to show me how to integrate faith into my life more fully. He doesn’t just tell you how to talk about your faith, but how to live it on a day to day basis.

[elaine harkreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Changed My Life!

I've spent a lifetime (I'm 72) reading books about faith, pursuing God's truth. This book contains Spiritual nuance I'd never encountered. I will reread this one forever!

[Grace Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful help and guide to personal transformation

Wonderfully written, a guide to transform your walk with Jesus.
To trust and follow, and surrender your life yo gain the real life he wants for us. Loved it !

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSPIRING

An excellent read that dives into the basic principles of living a vibrant, Godly life that is filled with faith, hope & love

[Emily Bittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful for books like this. I appreciate when a book can depend my understanding of living a Christian life and being able to ignite the flames within my heart again.

[Jan Dunlap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear introduction/review of essential attributes of Christian living.