Can I Trust You?

A few moments ago, my best friend approached me with the question, "What is this week's sermon about?" My response to her was, "Can I trust you?" The answer to her question created a very awkward moment. Why would I possibly respond in such a way to her honest question. After all, we've shared everything for years. She decided to guess that maybe I was joking, and responded, "Is this week's sermon, top secret? Will you need to kill me if I find out?" (From a famous line in a spy movie.)

I could not help, but giggle; and finally told her, "The title to this week's sermon at CCR is 'Can I trust you?'" Our little pseudo-romantic game may indicate how deep down we all still have these questions of trust. We all have parts of our life that have yet to be fully exposed. We long for authenticity, but keep cautiously asking the questions of trust.

This week we will continue our series on Entrepreneurs of Faith who Build the Institutions of Community. We will look at the fifth habit to avoid - A lack of trust. Without trust development is impossible. In fact, Rwanda is probably more at a disadvantage for development than almost any other country if her people are not trustworthy. For instance, the world will always come to Nigeria for oil no matter how corrupt the system. The world will only come to invest in Rwanda, because they believe her people are worthy of trust.

I believe that our lack of trust is driven by deep seeded wounds. If one has been wounded by a parent figure, they learn not to trust a community's authority and live in continual rebellion. If one has been hurt by a brother or sister we learn to look for advantages through deception. If one has been wounded by a neighbor we learn to be jealous, irresponsible, and falsely blame others. In the end we become consumed with destroying what we can not control.

This week we'll look back to the oldest stories of God and man. We'll see that we have an eternal Father who is worthy of trust. It is His nature to provide, protect, and guide. We have an older brother who sacrificed his very life for us. Though our human nature is full of limitations, our eternal Father put His Spirit inside us to teach us how to be a brother to our community.

The answer to the basic question of "Can I trust you?" is a paradox. On one hand of course not as we have all fallen short. On the other hand of course we can because we are made in the image of God. I believe our God is one of victory, and His intentions will be eternally triumphant. Thus I chose to trust men made in His image. Will this decision leave me wounded? Yes, but I have no other alternative if I desire to bless my community. Will you join me in blessing our community?

Dave