Over the course of the last year, or so, I have had occasion to consider the issue of trust, time and time again. It occurs to me that this issue - that of TRUST, and in whom can you place yours... is a MAJOR factor in the life of a teen.
We all need someone to trust. All our lives we go through the process of searching out people, that we call, "friends", in whom we can place our trust. Unfortunately, but true, all too often, those very same people are careless with our confidence in them, and they end up abusing our trust, intentionally or not.
I believe there are various levels of trust. First, there is the level of trust that is perhaps more accurately described as "skepticism". That word has a negative connotation, but it is very accurate when describing the way we feel when we meet someone for the very first time.
I have several friends, whom I will use as an example here. One of those friends was "skeptical" of me, and my intentions for almost a week before taking the next step toward trust. I can still very easily recall the way I would feel when I would try to reach out, but this friend would stand off and basically just observe before committing any more of their trust. By the way, that's PERFECTLY OKAY! There's absolutely nothing to say that people will, or even should, jump right into a relationship with others.
The next level of trust would be what I call an "operating level". This is perhaps the most common level of trust. It gets us past the somewhat uneasy feeling of "skeptical" trust, and brings us to a place where we are generally comfortable around one another.
Another of my friends was very quick to jump into this level of trust with me, and I don't think they ever regretted it. We were at perfect ease with one another, and there were few things we could not discuss. It was born out of respect, one for another, and the strength of the friendship was increased because of it. This same friend was hesitant to take the next step of trust when it came to our relationship... and again I say that is okay. In this case, it required taking a step of faith, and while they eventually did take that next step... it was a process of trust that got them to the place where they were even able to think about it.
The third level of trust is what I call, "TOTAL TRUST". And, while I do not claim to be an expert on this, or any other subject... (well, maybe a few...) I have been blessed with a handful of friends and family members that would qualify under the heading of Total Trust.
This is the type of trust that says, "no matter what - I am with you". It is not easy to gain, and if lost, it is nearly impossible to get back. The people that extend to you this kind of trust are the ones that will still be by your side when going gets tough. These are the precious few people that God blesses us with throughout our lifetime... and they are best handled with extreme care. The very deepest of friendships are based on this Total Trust
And finally, there is what I call, "INTIMATE TRUST". This trust is not something that cannot be forced, or even learned. It is as close to a miracle as I think I have ever experienced. It's the kind of trust that when asked the question, "Do you trust me?", answers with, "Completely!", even before the question is asked. This is the kind of trust that is intended between a man and a woman, created to be one from the beginning of time. This is also the kind of trust that God intends for us to have in Him.
And this is the type of trust that I would encourage you to seek out from our Savior, Jesus Christ. He, and He alone is capable of causing that miracle of intimate trust between the Creator of the universe, and the creation.
Do you experience that trust in your life right now? Have you got the kind of relationship with Jesus that allows you to completely trust Him for whatever comes today, or tomorrow? This is the essence of faith, and Hebrews 11:1 defines that as being, "being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see".
If the answer is, "No, I don't have that kind of relationship with Jesus", the good news is that you can - right now, right here. In order to begin such a relationship, I will direct you to one of the simplest, most well-thought out websites I have seen in order to lead you to a deeper relationship with the Lord. You can find it by clicking here: The Four Spritual Laws.
And of the answer is, "Yes, I have that kind of relationship with Christ", then I challenge you to go out into the schools, into the work place, and yes, even into your homes, and share this message of great value with anyone and everyone you might encounter. And remember - the world is watching us - and actions speak far louder than words!