What does it mean as a Christian to live in a world where more faith is placed in skepticism and the loudest volume given to sarcasm?
I recently read a blog, Living Spirituality, where the phrase “post trust society” was used.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery
writes, “One of the salient features of the twenty-first century is that we are living in a post-trust culture. As I have recently mentioned, this means that our ability to trust institutions, governments, politicians, economics, and churches is coming to an end.”
writes, “One of the salient features of the twenty-first century is that we are living in a post-trust culture. As I have recently mentioned, this means that our ability to trust institutions, governments, politicians, economics, and churches is coming to an end.” We no longer trust. We blame, make fun, or spew angry accusations on our political and church relationships. Twitter makes it easy to launch rumors that build unease and how simple it is to forward that sarcastic email than to send it to the trash.
The thought of a post trust society raises fear in my heart. Will this lead to more violence, anarchy, and threats to security? The whole situation makes me once again aware of how little I really do control in life.
I am guilty of all of this type of thinking. No excuses, but the phrase “post trust society” made me realize just how hard it is to trust these days. The word haunts me. The ability of the world and of evil to pull me into negative and nasty thinking, behaviors, and actions before I realize what is happening is mindboggling. This is NOT the way I want to live this precious God given life.
God call us to more.
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
So how do we live in a post trust culture?
I don’t have all the answers and I thought at first I could present five tips on trusting God or some type of sound byte. But I feel God is saying, “Come to Me with your questions and let’s linger over them for awhile.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
wrote, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.”
wrote, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” What does this all mean, Lord?
Can I really trust you, Lord?
How can I know for sure?
How will my life look differently living daily in Your trust?
How can I fully surrender, let go and rest in Your arms?
What stops me?
If I am a Christian, a beloved child of God, how am I called to live and serve in this type of world?
No easy answers. No quick remedies. No sudden opening of the skies and I immediately hold the wisdom of the how’s and when’s.
I think God invites me to sit with Him and linger over the questions. My lesson is in the process, not the final product.
Maybe that is the first step in trust anyway.
What do you think?
Great post…thank you for sharing!
Jean Sunday morning early and I am just now reading this. I shared your thoughts and it sparked our devotion for the morning. (Son and husband) Thank you for your thoughts. It is total trust in god that makes our life worthwhile, but the comment about our children and teaching them to trust is so true. What have they ever been able to trust in their lifetime? thought provoking post. thanks Clella
there is a tension I think we all must learn to linger/sit with when dealing with questions. I learn more in the journey, the process than I would if given the answers right away. God’s way of growth.
there is a tension I think we all must learn to linger/sit with when dealing with questions. I learn more in the journey, the process than I would if given the answers right away. God’s way of growth.
This post is really resonating with me this morning, Jean. First of all, the verse about trusting God, from John, is my prayer mantra for this year. I have trouble with trust — particularly trusting that God has all the details worked out for me…that he has a plan for me in His hands.
Secondly, I love, love that Rilke quote. It speaks to me, the girl with so many questions. I am learning to live with the questions, live in the questions, trusting that someday they may all be answered. That quote has helped me make the leap from unbelief to belief.
Thank you, Jean — have a wonderful weekend!
I think we are in the post-trust era, although I never thought to state it that way. The threads of ungodliness are woven so deeply in this tapestry called time, there is not enough solid ground to stand on, to trust. God is the only stability that exists and that is worth trusting.
My fear is that the mistrust of the world will create difficulty for younger generations to fully trust God. Because of that fear, I feel compelled to share my trust and faith in God wherever I go and whatever I’m doing.
This is an interesting and thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing, God bless. Bobbi
Ah, you mean we have to be quiet a bit? I love the thought to linger with God….say, great title, huh? Thankful He never changes.