TODAY'S ISSUE
What does the bible teach us about trusting people? I know you may have heard the saying, "I trust you as far as I can see you" - and that's probably understandable considering the integrity of those people. However, what exactly does the bible teach us regarding earthly relationships i.e., acquaintances, business partners, good friends and mates? For this brief moment, let's delve in to see "What Hath God Said."
I. TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Proverbs 3:5,6
5. Trust in
the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In the above passage, Solomon speaks of trusting in the Lord with all of your heart. This is a true statement and an admonishment that should frequently be rehearsed over and over again in our minds. All of your heart should never be placed in a man or a woman or things for that matter. The reason why is because the only constant in this life is God. He never changes nor falters on His promises. If He says a thing, you can bank on it!
Numbers 23:19-20
19. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
* HERE ARE A FEW MORE SCRIPTURES TO CONFIRM THE ABOVE *
2 Samuel 22:3
3. The God of my rock; in him will I trust: He is my shield, and the Horn Of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalm 37:3
3. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psalm 91:2
2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
God doesn't mean that you are not to rely upon people at all. Just don't put all your reliance in them. Why, it is the essential element of trust that seals every deal and fortifies every relationship. Trust becomes the cornerstone and foundation to every true relationship and business deal.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Just about every act performed in the Old Testament was in the form of a covenant. When covenant is formed, a bond is established usually based upon someone's character and integrity. Even in the holy bond of marriage, you are essentially saying that I trust that you won't knowingly hurt, dishonor or disrespect me; that you will delicately and affectionately care for me and protect my feelings, right?
Now, as you look at scripture, just about every occurrence you see of the word trust somehow points in the direction of God. Many of the exceptions are when Paul says something like "I trust to come to you soon" I trust to find you in good health" or "I trust that you are keeping the faith". I guess this is something to think about...
BUT WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE?
God uses people and although we may not trust the people we can trust the God in the people. If this statement wasn't true, why would God admonish us to submit ourselves to them?
Pastors & God Ordained Leaders
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Husbands & Wives
Ephesians 5:21
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
That's why it's so important to hookup with people that are saved. With them, you should be able to trust the God in them - that's of course if they are submitted to God i.e. truly living a saved life. This is why when you marry someone or enter into a business deal with them they must be saved.
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
I Corinthians 6:14-18
14.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness?
15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel?
16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty.
If these people are submitted to the Lord, it should be very clear and evident in their lifestyles. As a result thereof, you trust that they won't knowingly hurt you or do you wrong. Why? Because they have to answer to God. The Holy Spirit will be their Governor.
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Minister Rickey E. Macklin