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By Rev Don Rivers
As we continue our look into some of the foundations concerning our faith I remember a question I was asked at the track by a driver this past year, what’s the Trinity? The Trinity is the Godhead, three in one, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three persons that have very defined roles in how God interacts with us in our lives. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Every good organization has a structure, different people with different responsibilities that when working together give structure and support. We see that at the racetrack; you have the on-track officials, they answer to the director of officials then to the race/competition director and in turn to the general manager. When they work together as a team the results create a good environment to race in.
There needs to be continuity from the top to the bottom. When there isn’t then chaos reigns. There is no way to maintain order and consistency in the presence of chaos. You have heard it said, the inmates are running the asylum. It is not fun to race in that kind of environment. It is also very difficult to be confident when the target keeps moving.
The same is true of our faith in God. What would happen if God kept changing the rules? How would we know where to place our feet? Without solid ground to build a foundation on we would always be shifting around trying to stabilize our lives.
The Trinity, God in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each one a different responsibility for our lives but together complement each other and cannot be separated from each other. It is a complex relationship and with the risk of oversimplification but let’s see if we can sort it out a little.
The Father is the head, within him lies the plan, the knowledge and the power to guide and direct us. The Son is God incarnate, God in physical form. He came to earth to show us the way that pleases the Father. He came to sacrifice His life so that we might be reconciled to God. The Holy Spirit is our conscience, He lives inside of us, speaking to us, helping us know the way to God. Sometimes we listen, sometimes we don’t.
In Mathew’s Gospel Jesus referred to the Trinity when he gave us these instructions;
Mathew 28:18-20; NLT; Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
It is difficult for us to get our hands around the trinity, we have trouble seeing three separate persons as one. In all our abilities as man we have struggled to accurately define the existence of God in three persons. I’m okay with that, God is so much more than I am. It would be foolish for me to think I could comprehend everything about God. After all, if I could, I wouldn’t need faith.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us in 11:1; Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
It is okay that we don’t fully understand, that is part of the mystery of serving God.
Isaiah reminds us in 55:8-9; “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
If we think we have to fully understand and comprehend God then we put ourselves in His place. We are not God. We do not have the understanding he has. It is best for us to submit through faith and obedience to His guidance and direction for our lives. Then we will be able to see His hand as it works through us.
Although we cannot fully understand the Trinity, let’s try to see if we can put it in some sort of framework that may make it easier. Let’s take racing, we need a few things to get the job done, car, crew and driver. We can be the driver, but where does our input come from?
First there needs to be someone above all that has the plan and knows the strategy to complete the race; that would be “God the Father.” In most cases that is the crew chief, he sets race strategy, plans the race, keeps tabs on the other teams and makes the necessary decisions to redirect the efforts as the race dictates.
Then someone needs to make the adjustments and sacrifices to service the car. The true servants of a race team are the crew, they are the ones that make the sacrifices to prepare and get the car to the finish line. They would be the “God the Son.” They do all the things necessary for the driver to reach Victory Lane.
Then the driver needs a voice in their ear. They need guidance as they run the race, where to go, when to go, when to stop, all the decisions we need to make in the race come from that voice, the spotter, “God the Spirit.” He watches out for us, sees the things we cannot and provides guidance and direction.
Our life isn’t much different than running a race, in fact we refer to life as a rat race! We need someone with a plan for our life, God has that plan. He sent His son, Jesus Christ to show us, serve us and sacrifice His life for us. He also sends His Spirit to be a voice in our ear, our conscience, to help guide us through life. God exists in three persons for us to have the things we need to reach Victory. He only asks that we put our trust and faith in Him.
There is so much more to this subject, but it is difficult to address it all here. We welcome your questions and will endeavor to help in any way we can. First we should reflect on our life and ask ourselves; “have I given God control?” Have I accepted His sacrifice for me? Have I let His Spirit guide me?
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
