The question of what really matters often crops up in the course of a human life. And often the following recommendation is given: let’s concentrate on the essentials.

Even the disciples had to learn this: if the message they were proclaiming was to reach the people, they would have to focus on the essentials. They had to leave everything else aside, especially the Jewish ideas on circumcision and the dietary rules. This was simply not necessary for salvation.

The same is true for us today. We are to take the message of salvation in Jesus Christ to all people. And that will only be possible if we concentrate on the essentials. Everything that has to do with our person, our history, and our culture is not relevant for salvation. We have to make a distinction here if we want to pass Christ’s doctrine of salvation on. Earthly rules of conduct may change over time, but the message of salvation remains.

Likewise, when it comes to our children, it is important that we think about what is truly important for salvation. We do not want to impose our own way of life on them. What we want is that they can experience God as we experience Him. This is what is important!

Jean-Luc Schneider

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