i'm not a monotheist...pt.3

Limited analogies
As stated before, there have been many analogies used to try to represent and reflect the trinity. For example, the popular h20 example, liquid, vapor, and ice all are types of water, yet in three forms. Another popular one being the egg model in which shell white and yolk make up an egg.
Of course, looking at the previous blog, the 7 fenceposts of the trinity make clear the limitations of such analogies. For example, the h20 example expresses a certain type of modalism. These three states do not exist at the same time, but only one at a time, changing from one state to another. This is not trinitarian as God does not become the Son, then become the Spirit. It does not explain that all three are present at all times and every divine attribute applies equally to all three of them. Similarly, the egg fails in that the shell, white, and yolk are parts of the egg, but not the egg in themselves. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not parts of God, each of them is God. Of course, I do not expect any analogy to be perfect, (I use to use the h20 analogy in high school =p).
The Example of Marriage
But the most helpful analogy I believe would be the one of marriage. This I believe has the most biblical support. The marriage analogy of I-you-we suggests a complex unity. Two becoming one, and dwelling within one another. There is a type of mystical union within marriage, where in a deep way, where one is, the other is also. In which two individuals are perfecting their union over time, learning how to mutually submit, becoming of like mind, will, and purpose, in which (from what i hear =P) you can no longer think simply of your own needs, without considering the other .. An obinity. In short, marriage is used to tell us what the triune God is like. As God is described as One, a man and woman also become united, becoming one. A man and a woman, who were together made in the very image of God.
Of course, i'm not married. But if marriage is suppose to replicate the trinity, it makes sense how hard it is. A denying of oneself, thinking how to serve the other spouse ahead of ones own interests. Yet, the older a couple becomes, they may more and more fall in love, serve one another, fall into their roles, perfecting their unity... Waking up thinking, "how am i going to serve my wife today?" (Thanks again MS!) I'm going to go more into this later, but the relationship, actions, and example of the trinity sets the foundation for so much of practical christian living. Within the church family, the home family, the extension of the family (evangelism/missions), prayer, worship, and any relationship period! The trinity amazes me the more and more I think about it. Not to mention the immense practicality of such a doctrine...
Not just some abstract philosophical thought folks, work it into your lives!