Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Trust

Did you ever notice that when you really trust someone, you don't think critically about what they tell you? It is almost as if the trust that was built can override your own sensibilities to the point that if they tell you something, you can assume that the thinking has already been done for you, and there is no need for you to engage your "critical" brain. It could be as simple as good advise on how to handle a situation or as sinister as steering the thoughts of others in a negative way against another person. It's all about our influence and how we use it. The faith that others put in us can easily and unintentionally be misused for our own gain. Conversely, it is easy to find ourselves on the receiving end of this misuse of trust, and dismiss suspicions because we know that this person would never do anything to intentionally wrong us.
So where is the balance? Is there a time when can we love and trust completely, and shift critical brain to neutral? Matthew 10:16-22 says

[16] “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. [17] Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, [18] and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. [19] When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. [20] For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [21] Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, [22] and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Jesus is talking about persecution here, and what will happen to his followers for "his name's sake". While most of the time we are not being persecuted for his name, there is one part here that stands out. Verse 21 says; "Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death," He makes a point here that even in our most trusted relationships, there will be the ultimate betrayal. Remember, we live in a fallen world and we are all fallen people and this means that none of us are exempt from the heart's temptation to revert back to reprehensible behavior. Not brothers, mothers, fathers or children - for all have Sin and fall short of the glory of God. So I think the answer to our question is... never.

The critical brain needs to always stay engaged, no matter the person and the role they play in our lives, we must always hear critically. Still give the appropriate weight to the advise while considering the source, but hear the truth spoken through the filter that God gives us to hear correctly. If we feel uneasy about something being said, that may be reason to question it, to pray about it and seek the counsel of others. The intentions behind advise that is given may be good, and coming from a good and loving source, but they could also be just plain wrong. Remember, questioning someone who loves you can only serve to bring better clarity and seeing a situation with clarity is better than any one person's advise will ever be.

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