On March 4, 1845, James Polk took office as president of the United States. Four years later, he did not seek re-election because he had accomplished all five of his campaign promises. Can you imagine if our newly elected president actually did what he promised? Then, after accomplishing all this, he did not seek re-election? Perhaps that is why, out of 43 Presidents who have served to date, Polk is the only one with this distinction. To be honest, when politicians speak, I wonder if they are doing what is best for the country or what is best for them. When I watch the news, I do not know if the newscaster is reporting the events or just pushing their agenda. Now the latest rounds of corporate scandal leave us asking, “Is there anybody we can trust?”
Perhaps our expectations are too high. This is what the Lord says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man,” Jeremiah 17:5. Man is limited. He has limited power, limited resources, and limited know-how. Man is also sinful. He is capable of tremendous evil and destruction. Despite knowing these facts, we are greatly disappointed when we give money and power to human beings and then watch them fail.
But, “blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7. God is unlimited in power, resources and know-how. God is also incapable of sin. When God speaks to us, there are no hidden agendas. We can believe His every word. Jesus says, “Store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20. God is not only capable of securing your treasures. He is also the only one we can trust for our eternal security. There is someone we can trust, and His name is Jesus.
Church, we are the brokers of this trust. People need to hear what we already know, but words will not be enough. The world is judging the trustworthiness of God by our character. We must say what we mean and do what we say. The more people begin to realize they cannot trust in man, the more important it is for us to reflect the compassion and the holiness of God. For too long the church in America has neglected both, being overly concerned about internal affairs. We must earn back the trust of our communities through selfless service. We must move from looking out for us, to looking out for them. Otherwise, the still undecided will continue to place their trust elsewhere.
