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when it comes right down to it, we all have to pick who we are going to trust to help us decide what is true and what is false.
we are all influenced by what we read, what we hear, who we are watching, and what we are seeing. nobody lives in a vacuum…nobody can simply say, “my views and opinions are uniquely my own. i’ve come to these conclusions all by myself.” it just doesn’t work that way.
we are each products of those who have gained our trust. my father was a “dodge man”. he always drove dodge trucks. he wouldn’t drive anything else. i trusted my dad and believed his opinions about dodge trucks. for much of my life, i was a “dodge man”, too.
i have known many young parents who have completely placed their faith in the writings of certain child psychologists or family therapists…and adopted their principles and methods of child raising. if the “book” said it, they did it.
people trust one news channel over another. there are some who stand by just about anything that certain radio talking heads say. teenagers are won over by the wisdom of favorite coaches or teachers…and turn to them for guidance. for centuries, young students have been deeply influenced by philosophy professors and campus revolutionaries.
we all give access to our hearts and minds to people we trust.
i remember a few years ago when i had my personal beliefs about the president challenged by a man (author, pastor, teacher) whom i trust more than just about anybody on the planet. his insights and conclusions (based on personal experience and interaction with the president) were so much deeper and different than what i heard coming from the mouths of his opponents. my respect for this man, along with the long-term trust in his judgment and integrity i had developed, forced me to seriously rethink what i had heard and read.
my personal interpretations of god’s word have been shaped and molded by authors, pastors, teachers, and theologians that i trust. i don’t believe every author i read. i don’t accept the teachings or insights of every preacher i hear. in fact, if certain authors write it, i pretty much discount it.
over time, i have grown to rely on a circle of authors and teachers and preachers to feed my soul and influence my pursuit of truth. i have given them access to my core. they have permission to rattle me and challenge me and oppose my positions. and i listen to them.
when they say or write things that make me uncomfortable…and place me in awkward or distressing theological corners…i never run to safety. i find myself running to the mess, because i trust their wisdom and judgment and intellect and experience and faith.
and the same should be true for you.
so who is it that you are trusting to lead you to “truth”…about politics and morality and lifestyle and discipleship? who are you giving access to your heart and mind?
who gets to influence what you believe and how you behave? are they really worthy of your trust?
and for crying out loud, be careful of trusting yourself!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8
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