Just who is it these days you can trust? This is not mass condemnation of all concerned, but
surely there are many, perhaps a majority, in some of the following:
- The media?
- The government?
- A political party?
- The court system?
- The clergy?
- Religious organizations?
- The World Health Organization?
- Other governments?
- Internet advertising?
- Cell phone hucksters?
How are we going to recover from the major disruptions in our daily lives caused by the virus?
It is not only touching us physically, but is also affecting our mental state of mind, our family
relationships, substance abuse and dependency, financial solvency, etc.
Skepticism abounds. Of new concern is the potential rate of suicides. The standards by which
we make our judgements are often determined by choosing the best of several bad alternatives.
Where, in this earthly realm, do we turn?
I believe the answer is in leaders, businesses, organizations and persons that we trust. Who do
you trust and why do you trust them? This dilemma demands that we learn how to live and act
so that people will trust us.
And how do we do that? By being honest, transparent, friendly, kind, helpful, and
compassionate. You earn trust. You can restore trust even with an antagonist, though it could
take a long, long time. But it can be lost in a moment through foolish decisions and actions.
We are surrounded by distrust and skepticism because of the sordidness of our current society.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine
of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11) That was
directed to Israel, but it certainly can be applied to 2020 in the USA. Amos points out to Israel
that it is in line for judgment and he proceeds to pinpoint their sins proving the validity of this
verdict.
Likewise, today people prefer to live in their immoral, depraved, corrupt ways and do
not want to hear what the Lord says. They reject or give little credence to the Bible and
Biblical standards. They want to be the captain of their own rudderless pleasure vessel. There
is a famine of trust in our present society because we don’t deserve to be trusted.
On the other hand, the most trusted book ever written says, “Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs
3:5,6) “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in
you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Do you find it interesting that people reject prayer until they need it? Do you find that they
reject spiritual counsel until they are in desperate trouble and then seek it? And to whom do
they go for this help? When push comes to shove, isn’t it interesting how they turn to God and
God’s people? They go to the “food” supply! Like a bug that goes to light at night, those in
need go the ones who “let their lights shine” for what is right and fair.
Sometimes Christians don’t “walk the talk” and are not perceived as ones who can be trusted.
They are judgmental, unyielding, argumentative, all-knowing, and difficult. To quote the old
saying, “Living above with those we love, oh, won’t that be glory; living below with those we
know, now that’s another story.”
May you and I not be a part of the famine, but a part of the available feast. Be known as
trustworthy.
Now you think about that!
Written By Neil Fichthorn: Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.
