Can We Trust the System?
The topic of a crisis of confidence is making headlines. We need to know who is worthy of trust. But, whether the subject is politicians, doctors, corporate or religious leaders, the public is exhibiting a general and increasing mistrust of the ‘experts.’ Most recently, the problem of vaccine hesitancy within the populous has prompted many officials to push forward on coercive measures. They want to ensure compliance with government mandates. The solution will be vaccine passports that create a two-tiered caste system. The vaccinated will be able to enjoy their ‘Charter of Rights’ and assemble, associate, and move at will. While those who are not vaccinated will be censored and unable to participate in society freely. Like the oppressive policies of the governments of past millennia, the tools of oppression and coercion are at the ready. They will be used against those who fail to comply with government edicts.
It may seem evident to some that the state is a system designed to control the populace, often under the pretence of the ‘greater good.’ The state therefore has little regard for the health or liberties of the individual. The state may bring benefits or hardships, but at the core it is like a heartless machine. It can have no love for you or your family. The state cannot appreciate your needs, or provide solutions to the challenges you face on a daily basis. So entrusting the state, the government, or other agencies with your life is often not in your best interest as an individual. If the state is not worthy of trust, where can you turn for the direction you need to make wise personal choices and live a meaningful life?
Is the Creator Worthy of Trust?
So who is worthy of your trust? Who cares about you and has your best interest at heart?
Consider what the Lord God said,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
…
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
…
The Lord God offers blessings to those who will trust him with their lives. But is he worthy of trust? The key issue is that He loves his people, and has rescued them from the slavery of oppressive leaders, like the Pharaoh of Egypt, in the past. As Moses and Israel experienced in their wilderness wanderings, the Lord’s nature was one of unfailing love and faithfulness. The Lord offers us this same love. And in his love he will rescue, heal, protect, and defend his people as he has done for centuries. This same unselfish love — agape – is also the primary characteristic of God the Father, the originator of love. He loves all of his children and cares for them as a loving parent cares for a newborn child. And it is because of his love that we can be forgiven, and come to know him as our Father.
Can We Trust God’s Goodness and Guidance?
The leaders of the world through history, motivated by their personal desires, have represented a wide spectrum of good, bad, and ugly. Our Creator, on the other hand, was and is good, fair, and true. This has always been his nature, his character, and the example he wanted his people to emulate. The people who walked in covenant with God were able to rely on this goodness, and then imitate it. He will ultimately be merciful, forgiving those who repent, and fair in bringing the evil-doers to justice. With the Lord God there are no deceptions, lies, or half-truths, for he is the source of truth – the true reality of things. And the Lord is worthy of trust for he offers this truth to guide all who will follow him.
The experts in society offer their wisdom with the intent of having others buy into their vision of reality. And yet, they are just men and their vision is limited to what can be learned in a human lifetime. The Lord God by contrast, knows all things, and created all things. So when he offers to guide us, we can put our trust in him to provide the best path. But he also helps us make course corrections when we get off the path. Motivated by love, the Lord has an unselfish concern in our best interest. He will correct us like a loving father and thus he is worthy of trust. He will discipline us and redirect our steps. The guidance the Lord provides is to help us on the road to eternal life, the hope he has promised to all who put their trust in him.
Can We Trust God’s Promises?
But can and does God fulfill his promises? Is he worthy of trust? The apostle Paul reminded believers of the example of Abraham, who trusted in God’s promise of a son, even though he and his wife were elderly. And the Lord rewarded Abraham’s faith and provided the heir he had promised. It is comforting to know that God does not lie, and because he is both true and powerful he has the capacity to fulfill his promises. Though those who trust in him may suffer as Jesus did, yet they can also be assured of a great reward. Jesus told his followers that they would be persecuted, but they did not need to be afraid of those who attacked them. For those who trust the Lord and endured hardship with moral courage there is the sure hope of eternal life and service in God’s Kingdom.
The ones in our life who are worthy of trust are those who care about our future, now and forever. In times when people are suffering from a crisis of confidence, due to incompetent or self-absorbed leaders, or mindless systems, there is hope. The scriptures tell us to persevere and please God, and stand up to those who would try to coerce or bully us. Let us remember Nahum’s admonition and put our life in the hands of the one who is worthy of trust. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. God knows those who take refuge and trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
Learn more:
The Nature of God