In essentials, unity.
In non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, love.
Augustine
Yeah, but what are the “essentials”?
Yesterday I asked the question Who’s “They”? in the context of our propensity to draw lines and categorize ourselves in terms of we and they. Then I ran across this familiar Augustine quote.
It made me wonder why, as followers of Jesus, we’re so quick to point out distinctions and differences.
It’s awfully easy to imagine that we have a corner on truth, that our interpretation of scripture is flawless, and that our customs and traditions are just a bit superior to others. We’re a culture of competition. We’re taught that success demands that we stand out and differentiate ourselves from the crowd.
ESSENTIALS
I’ve used Augustine’s three-line admonition as a discussion prompt in several settings. I can count on the conversation taking one of two general directions.
What are essentials? This question initiates a process of articulating shared, central doctrines. It directs our focus to the places we agree rather than the differences that usually consume our attention. It’s a way to think about THE CHURCH rather than our local or even denominational churches. This sort of discussion reminds us that traditions around worship styles and liturgy don’t really divide us.
What’s the difference between essential and important? It’s interesting to define pressing issues on which committed followers of Jesus may disagree. Some political or public policy issues might fall into this discussion. While we may advocate passionate positions on these kinds of matters, this discussion reminds us that sincere Christians don’t always subscribe to a monolithic view.
THE THIRD LINE
Both are interesting topics, but what I find curious is that the third line almost never receives much attention. We become immersed in list-making, intent on defining and defending a particular list of absolutes or understanding someone else’s choices.
Doctrines, customs, and traditions are the color, texture, and flavor that articulate identity and give character to individual communities. They’re the spice in an otherwise bland, vanilla world, and they’re wonderful tools for defining and growing individual churches and attracting those who share our preferences.
Political debates, policy decisions, and community involvement give relevance to our faith in the world. We must always advocate powerfully and effectively for the poor and the marginalized.
But what about the third line? I’d maintain that without the third statement, the first two become largely irrelevant.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing … And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13]
Essential, non-essential, important, non-important—without love, my lists and debates are just so much meaningless noise.
That third line is the center. It’s THE essential, the single defining characteristic of the circle.
Agape—self-sacrificial, unconditional love—is what keeps my work and prayer and effort from becoming empty, unimportant nothingness.
I invite you to join me in focusing on the third line.
Are you like me? Do you ever get so intent on doing stuff that you forget the third line?
When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, the first word He uttered was, “Love … “ [Matthew 22:36]
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