We live in the information age! People all over the world spend hours each day perusing the Internet, watching television shows, reading books, listening to broadcasts, and hearing messages from people around them!
But beware! There is a lot of junk out there. And if we want only what is true to enter our minds, then it’s critical that we’re are discerning, careful, and wise.
Just today I received a Facebook message where the writer asked, “What is the difference between faith and trust?” Many people answered and all of their answers were different. Why, because they were giving their own opinions!
That happens all the time. We are surrounded by other people’s opinions and ideas flying through the airwaves and the atmosphere.
Those opinions can serve as seeds planted into our minds. If they are allowed to stay there, unchallenged, they can begin to grow. Soon, and especially if nurtured, they will take root and become part of our “belief system.”
What then?
Our beliefs inform our choices. And our choices turn into actions. And those actions affect our lives, our circumstances, and our future!
I realize that people’s opinions about the difference between faith and trust isn’t a huge deal as far as our everyday life goes. But other opinions and beliefs can make a big impact in how we live. For example, what do you expect from a marriage? Or a job? Or a church?
Or, what do you believe about judging others? Or donating money? Or being overweight?
What about shaming children into compliance? Or holding a grudge against a friend? Or gossiping? Or telling the truth?
When you have questions in your life, where do you go for the answers? Where do you go for direction so you know how to proceed? Do you listen to the television gurus? Do you ask your friends? Do you Google it for ideas? In other words, do you open yourself up for other people’s opinions? Those ideas that will point you into choices, actions, and your future?
Heads Up!
Again, I say, “Proceed with caution.” Because you could be unknowingly walking on very unstable ground that leads you to where you really don’t want to go.
However, there is a place where you can go for truth. For answers you can count on. For advice that is solid, sure, and always correct! That place is God and His Word. And James 1:5 gives us clear instruction about what we are to do if we need help: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
We can go to God and seek the answers we need and then proceed confidently that we are making the right choices. We can search His Word for instructions, principles, and standards. If we need more help in how to apply God’s ways in our lives, we can seek the help of Christians who have been appointed and anointed to teach God’s people.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
Now here is where faith and trust come into play: you and I have made a decision to follow Christ. We have submitted ourselves to Him and as we grow and develop in our walk with the Lord, we learn to trust Him more and more. That is part of our renewal experience. We believe He is who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can do. We trust in the Lord. We place our confidence in Him and His ways.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
We have faith that He will fulfill His promises, even when we can’t yet see the results, yet. We have faith that when we leave this world, we will enter into everlasting life. We have faith that He has provided for our needs. We have faith that He blesses the works of our hands.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
You and I have a choice about where we are going to go for the answers we need. We have a choice where we will go for information. We have a choice who we will rely upon for advice.
Here is what I have decided for my life: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
How about you?
I love hearing from you! Please share your thoughts below with me and with others.