Articles
Trust
Where is the trust? Trust is a thin thread. It often does not matter how long we have known one another. All too often all it takes is one little thing and, almost immediately, the questions come.
We live in a skeptical world. Skepticism is not something one does, but is descriptive of what one is, a skeptic. The opposite is one who is gullible. Now, no one wants to be gullible. The gullible individual is often thought to be weak and spineless, while the skeptic is seen as strong. They are seen as having a questioning, seemingly investigative, mind. No, the skeptic is skeptical about everything, “No one is going to take advantage of me.” Such a spirit throws a dark cloud over everything and everyone. Everything and everyone is suspect.
So why is trust such a problem? For example, if there is a person we have known for twenty years, who is proven, why can’t we give them the benefit of the doubt? If a congregation has shepherds whom they have asked to watch over their souls, why won’t they trust them? If those shepherds have set an example of trustworthiness and faithful adherence to Bible teaching and Bible practices, why can’t the congregation trust them to lead and guide? Why at the least little thing said do we put a skeptical spin on them and begin to question? Where is the trust?
How about the man who preaches the word of God? If that man has demonstrated faithfulness to the word and set the right example, why is it so hard to trust him? Let him say one thing in a little different way from what is normally said and immediately everything known and established about him is questioned.
On the other hand, those who watch over souls and labor in the word must trust those whom they watch and teach. It is not just one way. Those who watch and labor in the word should be slow to impute the worst possible conclusion about someone. Trust must not become the victim here, either. When there is no reason to doubt or question, do not place the worst possible motive on one who asks sincere and honest questions. Just because someone asks for clarification does not mean they have lost trust in those who watch for them and teach them. Remember the depth of the relationship. Let love of them motivate a tender heart.
Well, does that all mean we just accept anyone and anything out of hand because we must trust. “Yes” and “No.” “Yes”: when trustworthiness has been established, why wouldn’t my first reaction be to trust those in whom I have placed the responsibility of my soul? Whether they labor in watching for souls, labor in the word, or simply labor serving others. Before I form another conclusion why not sit down and try to understand? “No”: when trustworthiness has not been built; when life, attitude, teaching and practice are inconsistent with Bible teaching.
I have made this mistake more than one time. I have formed a conclusion based on information I perceived to be correct, only to change my whole outlook when supplied with that one simple, missing piece. The only way we know what is the heart of another is to be told (I1 Cor. 2:11). So, please, the next time we begin to express doubt, or question what is at hand, remember that what we are about to do is throw suspicion on everything and everyone. Why not let that confidence in one another lead us to kindly, and with brotherly love, seek further information and explanation before forming our conclusions?
Oh, and often accompanying the questioning comes the avoiding. When we question one, otherwise known as disagreeing with their judgment, we avoid them, too. Hmmm! Where is the tenderheartedness, longsuffering, and delight in a brother or sister?
Truth is truth, no argument. Case closed. No discussion. But 99.9% of the time truth is not the issue. It is judgment, opinion, or simply what I like or don’t like.
Rickie
