In God We Trust

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I may be less trusting than I used to be. A variety of recent trust-shaking incidents has brought me towards that frame of mind: The emergence of a conspiracy-dependent quasi-religion fueled by prevarication; a sophisticated personal computer hack; violence-prone truth-deniers; the news that USPS blue mailboxes are being robbed of mail in check-washing schemes and misinformation/phishing messages in my news and e-mail feeds. The actual list is longer, but you get the picture.

You also know the resulting questions: Who/what can I trust? When/how does my growing mistrust become a problem? How/why do I continue to be personally trustworthy?

What I’ve noticed about my answers to those questions: Heightened discernment regarding the times has tipped me toward wariness. It’s possible that mistrust may become my default attitude about much of life. Deep-seated suspicion could erode the rest of my identity, lifework and relationships. I need to prevent that from happening.

This blog’s title hints at some attitude corrections: Holding fiercely to my trust in the guiding and protecting hand of God; depending on society’s search for the greater good and valuing the noble character traits I see in others. Because I believe that trust is a necessary quality of being a child of God, I cannot surrender to the notion that I am better off being distrustful of most news, most ideas or most people.

Other inoculating actions that might be helpful: Relying on common sense—the gathered practical wisdom of human beings over time. Staying true to my values and virtues. Honing my discernment skills. Balancing my wariness with joy about the sturdy, useful presence of trust in society.

A trusting nature could leave me vulnerable to others’ deceptions, but I won’t give up on the premise that God remains trustworthy.

That trust comes from God….

 

 

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About the author

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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By Bob Sitze

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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