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Monday, June 3, 2013

Monday Morning 6/3/2013



There are people who struggle with trust and faith. The Bible says faith can move mountains. But the reality is that we must trust the ones doing the moving.

Simply, trust is a decision we make. Trust means there is room for failure. If we are honest we say that we trust a friend, a spouse, our pastors, and we say that we trust God. But then something bad happens and all trust is gone out the window.

Faith says there is no failure. Did you ever wonder why, in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, Paul writes that three things will remain: “Faith, Hope, and Love?” Why didn’t Paul write “Trust” instead of “Faith?” Why not, “Three things remain: TRUST, Hope, and Love?”

Many people think trust and faith is the same thing. Trust is a step toward faith. Faith is the completion of trust. In John 14 Jesus said, “Trust God but also trust me.” That is the presence of trust. Jesus said, “In my father’s house are many mansions. If it’s not true, I would not tell you.” Jesus said, “I’m going ahead of you to unlock the door, then I’ll be back to get you and bring you with me.” That is the promise of trust. Finally Jesus said, “Trust in me.” Jesus is saying he is not only going to show us the way, or tell us the way, or write out the instructions on how to get there. He is saying He will come and take us by the hand to His Father’s house. Then we will be home. Faith demands action. Faith does not stay silent.

We trust Jesus when we read His words. We trust Jesus that He speaks absolute truth. And we trust Jesus will do what he says he will do. These are all parts of faith. Putting all these separate things together, truth, dependable, and action, we know with no doubt Jesus will do what He says He will do. That is faith.

Jesus says to not only have an “intellectual” faith as the result of trust, but to have an “active” faith. The book of James says to be “doers” of the Word not just “listeners.” What we learn about Jesus needs to be shown in our relationship with Him and others. Faith is trust in action. Trust is something that belongs to us. I can ask you to trust me, but until faith is established, there will always be that little piece of doubt, waiting to let us down.

Trust can be weak or solid. Trust can be gained or lost. Faith says no matter what is weak or solid, whatever is gained or lost, faith is what will stand clear being what will bring us through the best and the worst times of our life.

The book of James also says we will have troubles. He doesn’t say “if” troubles happen but “when” they happen, give thanks. Huh? The Book of 1 Peter follows up on this: “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1 6-7)

In other words, we have trusted and been disappointed, but this has only built and strengthened our faith. Peter says it will bring praise, glory and honor to us. But it’s not for what we have done but what faith in Jesus has done.

But check this out. Peter goes on: “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for this trust will be the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9) The reward of trust is faith. The reward of faith in Jesus Christ is eternal life.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”Confidence and assurance only happen with one thing: trust. Without trust there is no faith. Without faith there cannot be trust.

Let me end with this:
Character without faith is fake.
Knowledge without faith is useless information.
Self-control without faith is dangerous.
Endurance without faith is empty at the end.
Godliness without faith is mere religion.
Brotherly kindness without faith is self-serving.
Love without faith is not true love.