The Big Three

Some days are filled with such long to do lists or other obligations. When life gets crazy busy, I just want to be directed to the main things I need to do. What can I do to survive and still do what is needed?

Well, there is no magic list fairy that is going to tame my to do list or give me an outline for how I should spend my time. As much as I would like some kind of direction, I find I am pulled in many different directions each and every day.

Even in my faith life I have those feelings. There are many different agendas out there with their own philosophies about how believers should act. Again – there are more expectations. It can get exhausting just trying to sort through it all.

This summer is a time for me to reflect on what truly is the most important for me in all the different roles I assume – wife, mother, friend, believer, teacher, etc. When I want to prioritize what is needful for me, the greatest source of information is Scripture.

When Paul is talking to the early Church, he is speaking to people who are new Christians. They are still learning what is most important, what is solid theology, and how to interact as believers.

Paul shares these words with the people of Colossae:

“We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.” (Colossians1:4-5 NIV)

Paul talks about these same three topics to the Thessalonians:

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NIV)

These big three qualities – faith, hope, and love – are the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ prompts us to action. With the love of Christ in our hearts, we reach out to others with Christian care. As believers we have an enduring hope, not based on transient things of this world, but on the solid foundation of the saving work of Jesus.

When Paul talks to the Thessalonians about being prepared to live a meaningful life of faith, these big three pop up again:

“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV)

We can easily get onto all kinds of tangents, but a fruitful Christian life focuses on these big three – faith, hope, and love. These are what are essential. These are what should direct our days. They are also the armour that protects us from the onslaught of the evil one.

When your days get in a muddle and you get overwhelmed with all you think is required of you, remember these big three. Keeping your focus on growing your faith life, remembering the enduring hope we have in Christ, and being mindful of the love that our Saviour has for us and that we should pour out onto others, are all key factors to living a meaningful life.

Faith, hope, and love – that says it all.

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