On May 18, 2025, 3 p.m., the blazing sun scorched the asphalt. Fresh out of my ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) exam, I dragged a suitcase and my exhausted body out of Da‑Chien Hospital (大千醫院) in Miaoli (苗栗). While waiting for the bus to the high‑speed rail station, I ducked into a FamilyMart, cooled off in the air conditioning, and perched on a little window‑side stool. Then a thought slowly surfaced.
ATLS drills its priorities with the simple mnemonic A‑B‑C‑D‑E, guiding the order and principles of emergency care for trauma patients. In life, we also face complex, varied questions of faith. Could a similarly simple mnemonic keep us from getting lost in over‑analyzing rules, texts, or “feelings of the Spirit,” yet forgetting to surrender sovereignty to God and seek the Father’s will in humility?
On the way back to Taipei, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to develop that idea, flooding me with words. By the time I sorted them out, I got five faith principles (A, B, C, D, E) corresponding to: Acknowledge the Lord’s identity, Bible/Bread, Confess/Communicate/Church, Disciple/Daily progress, and Evangelize/Everyone.
Whatever doubt or crisis arises, first acknowledge that the Lord is our Father and Savior. He created us, is infinitely greater than us, yet loves us enough to give His son's life to redeem our rebellion (Christ). Like the air around us (the Holy Spirit), He is always present; we may not feel Him, yet we keep breathing, continually communing with Him.
Human knowledge is limited, so God reveals truths our finite minds can’t fully understand through His Word—the Bible. By reading Scripture and taking in spiritual bread, we move closer to the Father’s thoughts and glimpse a portion of the unknown and eternal life.
Our understanding is imperfect, and Scripture doesn’t always speak directly to our moment. We must communicate constantly with the ever‑present Lord. Through prayer we first confess and ask Him to cleanse us so we can stand before God. There are solitary prayers in the 'secret room', and there’s corporate prayers with the church. We lay every worry and confusion before the Father, seeking His next step for us.
A (Acknowledge), B (Bible/Bread), and C (Confess/Communicate/Church) form the foundation of spiritual life. They’re not just Sunday activities; we must practice them daily. As we draw near to the Lord each day, hearing His Word, talking with Him, faith, love, and courage grow, shaping us into His disciples. People around us begin to see our lives change: stubborn habits, bad tempers, bitterness, resentment, and pride fade as we grow closer to God.
Finally, as our lives keep renewing, friends and family will envy the change and come to know the gospel through passive evangelism. Sometimes the Spirit will also push us to go on the offensive, actively caring for lost souls and sharing the gospel. Remember: everyone, regardless of status, gender, race, culture, personality, or past, is God’s child, His treasure. Even when facing earthly enemies, we must love every lost soul from the Father’s perspective.
The A‑B‑C‑D‑E Summary
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A – Acknowledge
Recognize God as your Father and Savior.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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B – Bible / Bread
Read Scripture, feed your spirit.“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
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C – Confess / Communicate / Church
Keep confessing and praying; participate regularly in church fellowship.“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
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D – Disciple / Devotion / Daily progress
Practice A, B, C every day; let your disciple life keep growing.“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
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E – Evangelize / Everyone
Share the gospel in words and deed, viewing every person as God’s child.“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
