Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [a]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Have you ever watched a war movie where the medics were going through all the wounded to evaluate who needed to be seen first? Maybe it was the latest emergency room TV drama where the ambulances start rolling in from a mass casualty event? How about sitting in the emergency room yourself and after two hours you are still watching people come in and get taken right back?
In the medical world this is what they call triage. The evaluation of the sick and injured to see who can possibly wait and the ones who have to be taken right back. Sometimes it may seem that there is no method to the madness, but usually there are specific criteria for how the selection process is carried out.
If we are in the middle of the chaos, we may not see or agree with how things are being handled. Most of us do not like to wait or even want to hear about protocols that the most serious go first. Heart issues and serious life-threatening injuries. There should be no argument. We still can get angry or want to argue about how we or the person you are with need to be seen right away.
These situations may not be the easiest to endure, but we should not be adding to the commotion. Those who are doing their jobs do not need the brunt of our anger. Just like we have to choose our battles in real life. No matter if we are trying to take care of ourselves or help someone else, it all comes down to the most important or serious issues we tackle first.
Our chaos can boil down to personal and family needs. Everything from bills, to food, a place to live safely, jobs, family drama, and any number of health issues that may arise. We have to triage our own lives, to make serious decisions on what are the most serious tasks that are the priority.
One area where there are decisions to be made and where there can be some contention from person to person is in our faith. There are so many people in the world who profess to be Christians but argue over the smallest most insignificant points. It’s considered one of those taboo subjects to not bring up at a family gathering along side politics.
One might find that one doesn’t equal the other, but when a country is founded on Christian principles by professed Christians, you can see the connection. It is just like the arguments that come up between different churches. It does not make sense that one church group will argue with another, rather than joining arms to address the problems in this world, in this country, and in our communities together.
Many years ago, I encountered the concept of theological triage. It is a framework of what is the priority in Christianity that all churches should believe. Just like medical triage, the most serious are first. There should be no argument or separation. Let’s start with the opening scripture which alludes to the trinity. A triune God is spoken about throughout both testaments.
Sometimes the subject of Jesus can cause contention, but the bottom line is that He was both human and divine. Then 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 leads us to another basic belief, “I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”
Galatians 2:16 brings two more primary doctrines, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Even though we are sinners we are forgiven based on our repentance and belief in Christ, not by any good works that we do.
Before I hit the last main principle that we as Christians should not be arguing about, let me cover a few second and third tier doctrines that we can find ourselves at odds with. Items like how and when to baptize, what is used for and the manner of communion, the role of women in the church, and tithing can invoke conversation. But should we let them divide us?
Even less important to cause a schism is the creation story, the age of the earth, end times, ancient texts, and which bible translation to use. As you can see there are some debatable topics, but they are mostly man’s interpretation or made-up rules. Everything should fall back to the final principle I skipped over in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”
So, take the time and review the basic tenets of our Christian beliefs. These are the most important ones that are written in God’s Word and not an interpretation by man. They should unite us and everything else should not be the wedge that separates us. When Christians are truly united, they can change the world as they established a new country 250 years ago. Unite today!
MOST IMPORTANT BELIEFS
I’m looking at all the sick and injured sitting around the room,
While wallowing in my misery hoping I am called back soon.
Then another one who just walked in is being taken right back,
I am starting to get really upset wondering what I lack.
Then the time comes for my name to be finally called,
An apology for the wait only makes me feel appalled.
Irritation makes it hard for me to remain calm and explain why I am there,
Lord, help me understand how this system is being so fair.
Dear child, you are reacting without knowing all the facts,
Everything is based on need and not any malicious acts.
The most serious threats to life are the first that are addressed,
Like the most important beliefs of the church should not be suppressed.
As Christians you should not argue over what you know is true,
How my Son died for all your sins and my Spirit is there to help you.
We are all three together even when my Son came to the Earth,
The Bible is my living word and His resurrection restored your worth.
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