Is God three or one? If three, then the Doctrine of the Trinity is flawed. If one, why do we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? There are evidence from the bible about God using the pronoun “us” and “our” (Cf. Genesis 1:26-27; 11:7). These suggest a multiplicity of persons. Other evidence also proves God to be one (Cf. Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Timothy 2:5). The two points above may seem contradictory, however, they add up to form the “Tri-unity” (TRINITY), three persons (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) in one God
We, human beings, are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), therefore, all areas of our lives must reflect the life of the Trinity in two qualities, i.e, UNITY and EQUALITY.
UNITY: This is seen clearly in the carrying out of some tasks by the Trinity, for instance, during creation (Genesis 1:26-27) and confusion of the language of the people on earth (Cf. Genesis 11:7) etc. The story is different with us: there is so much disunity in our world. Institutions which were once seen as symbols of unity have all become the contrary: families, groups, churches etc.
We need to heal our world of this disease. Who said we cannot be united because we have diverse ideologies, views, backgrounds, qualifications, professions? Remember, there are three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit but they are one. Therefore, it is possible if we keep trying.
Let us unite by burying our differences and aim for a common purpose. Unity can be borne from our diversity, no matter how big our differences are.
Our motive for unity is of paramount importance. Nonetheless, if it is to bring confusion, pain, conflict, destruction of others reputation etc. then we have missed it. It is about time we killed all these negative tendencies and replaced them with positive attitudes like genuine love and concern for one another. Take note, Unity is a powerful tool because it achieves anything it sets out to do (Cf. Genesis 11:6). Nevertheless, in the wrong hands, with wrong motives, it can be very destructive. Be the right person with the right motive.
EQUALITY: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are of the same essence, i.e. they are all God- The Father is not more God than the other two persons and vice versa. They are co-equal and co-eternal. They share everything in common. It is unfortunate that, though, we all bear the image of God we fail to see that in our neighbour; some feel more important than the others.
Inequality has become very common among us in our homes, workplaces and even in God’s house(church). There are instances where some expect to be accorded more privileges than others because of their supposed “worth”. Who in this world was created from a precious metal like gold or silver? No one. We were all made from dust and we would all return to dust (Cf. Genesis 3:19). We came from the same substance and so are equal.
Reflecting on the Trinity, let us greatly promote equality among persons. We can start by seeing people like ourselves; not thinking ourselves better than others; treating them as we would treat our very selves and giving equal opportunities to all people not considering their tribe, race, religion, privileged class, etc. (Cf Romans 12:3,16) “We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.”
Source: Sr. Jennifer Aikins, HDR
