Trust and Obey: A Challenge for Modern Christians.

One of the most well-known hymns in the Christian tradition is "Trust and Obey", written by John H. Sammis in 1887. The chorus of the hymn goes like this:

“Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

The message of the hymn is simple and clear: if you want to experience joy and peace in your relationship with Jesus, you need to trust Him and obey His commands. But what does it mean to trust and obey Jesus in our contemporary context? How do you trust and obey when the word of Jesus is contrary to your personal beliefs, preferences, or values?

This is not a new question, but it is a relevant one for Christians today. We live in a pluralistic and diverse society, where we encounter different opinions, perspectives, and worldviews daily. We are the product of where we are born, our family, our education, our experience, and our DNA. These make each of us uniquely different. 

You and I are influenced by the culture around us, which often promotes values that are at odds with the teachings of Jesus. For example, our culture may value individualism, materialism, or relativism, while Jesus calls for the rich to bear the infirmities of the poor, to love God and our neighbor, to share, to seek His kingdom first, and to follow his truth. If you carefully examine the teachings of Jesus some would say He is teaching socialism which is opposite to capitalism and individualism which is the prevailing culture presently.

How do you respond to this tension? How do you trust and obey Jesus when His word challenges you to go against the grain of your culture or your beliefs and desires?

In our culture, there are three strikes, and you are out, you hear all the major preachers stating that we must let go of negative people. Yet Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-45

 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy.’  But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father who is in Heaven. For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

How do you reconcile these teachings with your feelings?

Trusting and obeying the word of Jesus many times makes you feel and look foolish to those around you, and to do it requires internal fortitude and faith in Him.

We know we are saved when we believe the preaching or teaching of the gospel that God created the heaven and the earth and made the first man and woman named Adam and Eve, but they disobeyed Him and ate the forbidden fruit, so man was now under the curse of sin. God robed Himself in a body of flesh and we saw Him as the Lord Jesus who came to redeem us from the curse of sin by dying on the cross. Those of us who believe His teaching and are baptized must commit ourselves to following His teaching which will transform our lives to be like Him.

I remember a preacher saying, “If you’ve tried everything and everything failed try Jesus. He will never fail. Give your life to Jesus. Become one of the sons of God and as the King’s son He will make everything okay for you”.  

This captivated my mind and I now believe that serving the Lord will help me to have a better quality of life here on earth and inherit eternal life. I do believe we all want to have a nice home, family, and enough money to live comfortably. We want to feel worthwhile but many times when we have gained all of those, we want other things. We still feel unfulfilled.

Please take a moment to remember the goals and dreams that you had growing up and the goals that you currently have.

As we strive to achieve these things in the journey of life, many challenges arise that have stalled or derailed our dreams or goals leading us to despondency. These challenges may have been the loss of a job, sickness, an accident, a broken relationship, going through a natural disaster or pandemic, financial struggles, the death of a loved one, your children’s problems, quarrels among siblings, and many other issues. Challenges could also have stemmed from your own personal struggles such as temptations, adultery, fornication, and other trials that you are faced with while trying to live a holy and pleasing life guided by the teachings of Christ. This created turmoil in our minds causing many of us to give up, because we felt like hypocrites, so we backslid to our old lifestyles.

This struggle is depicted in the parable of the Sower:

The parable of the Sower is a true reflection of the struggles we all face, Matthew 13: 18-23.    

18 Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the Sower.

19 When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside.

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he, not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold,

 

To trust and obey requires believing certain teachings and principles as truth. First, we are taught the words of the scriptures, and then we must apply them to our daily lives to prove that they are true and to reap the benefits. Just like how we learn to read and write or learn math we must apply what we learn in our daily lives.

Some of the Benefits of Salvation

The Bible teaches that when we are saved, we become the sons of God, and joint-heirs (1 John 3 vs 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God) and (Romans 8: 16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,)

This means we are now by inheritance the owners of the entire universe. (2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.)

It teaches that we shall have eternal life, this means that we shall live forever.

(1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.)

We are His bride (Rev 19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.)

We are His Body (1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.)

We shall Judge Angels and the world (1 Corinthians 6: 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?)

We shall walk on streets of Gold (Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.)

The questions for you to answer are ... How is your heart? & What type of soil are you?

As the parable states, when we hear the word of God, believe, understand it, and then begin to apply it in our lives, it begins to change how we think and act. This results in us having a different lifestyle. It becomes the motivation for us to trust and obey the words of Jesus Christ. For the change to become permanent it requires consistency - daily prayer, daily reading of the bible until it becomes a part of our everyday routine. What will happen is that when a trial arises, the Holy Ghost will bring back His word to our memories to guide our response to the trial.

Gradually we will recognize that is not of our own works, but it is just the mercy of Jesus Christ that has been keeping us. As we apply what we learn in our lives, we will begin to change, our characters begin to change, and we become more patient, more forgiving, and less judgmental. We begin to bear the fruits of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.)

This means that as we change and develop the likeness of Christ, we begin to impact those around us, and we become positive influences in our homes, with our families, friends at work, and in our communities. Some of us will impact hundreds of people, some sixty, some thirty, and others one. When we trust and obey, over time it brings forth joy in the Lord and a truly purposeful life.

Our main goals change from attaining things to attaining eternal life. Our love grows from self-interest to love for God and all men. We move from a local focus to a universal focus we begin to see all men as our brothers because we recognize that we all have one Father the Lord Jesus Christ.   

Remember ...

- Jesus is Lord. He is not just a teacher, a prophet, or a friend. He is the God, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He has the right to rule over our lives and to demand our allegiance. He is also the Savior, who died for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. He loves us more than anyone else and wants what is best for us. Trusting and obeying Him is not only our duty but also our privilege and joy.

- Study His word. The primary way that Jesus reveals His will to us is through his word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a collection of stories, rules, or advice. It is the inspired and authoritative word of God, which shows us who God is, what He has done, and what He expects from us. The Bible is also relevant and applicable to our lives today, as it addresses every aspect of our existence: our beliefs, our values, our relationships, our choices, our emotions, etc. To trust and obey Jesus, we need to study His word regularly, carefully, and prayerfully.

- Seek His guidance. Sometimes we may face situations where we are not sure what to do or how to act. In those cases, we need to seek His guidance through prayer, through the counsel of other Christians, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not just a way of asking God for things, but also a way of listening to Him and aligning ourselves with His will. The counsel of other Christians can help us gain insight, wisdom, and accountability from those who share our faith and values. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us of sin, teaches us the truth, and empowers us to obey.

- Obey His commands. Trusting Jesus is not enough; we also need to obey Him. Obedience is not optional or conditional; it is essential and expected. Jesus said: "If you love me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is also not burdensome or oppressive; it is liberating and rewarding. Jesus said: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey. This may sound simple, but it is not easy. It requires faith, humility, and courage, but it also leads to joy, peace, and fulfillment. Let us trust and obey Jesus today and every day.

How to Become a Person of Excellence Following Christ

 Why should Christians operate in excellence?

As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Christ in everything we do and with everyone with whom we interact. This means that we should not be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum for tasks that we undertake, but rather seek to do them with excellence. Excellence is not about being perfect or flawless, but about doing our best with the gifts and abilities that God has given us. It is also about having a positive attitude and mindset, a willingness to learn, to improve, and to cultivate a desire to honor God and serve others.

 

We seek to have the best interaction possible with each person that crosses our path. Every person is created in the image of God and has inherent value and dignity. Every person is a potential friend, ally, or disciple. Every person has an opportunity to show the love and grace of God. Every person is a reflection of ourselves and how we treat them reveals our character and maturity. Christ has set an example for us in how he interacted with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and situations. He was compassionate, respectful, humble, honest, wise, and courageous. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo, confront injustice, or speak the truth in love. He was not influenced by the opinions of others but by the will of his Father. He was not motivated by selfish ambition but by selfless service.

In the bible, there is a story that illustrates why we should do our best. It is the parable of the talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30. In this story, a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money (talents), according to their abilities. One was given five, another two, and the third was given one. He then goes away for a long time and expects them to use the money wisely and productively. When he returns, he rewards the two servants who multiplied their talents but punishes the third one who buried his talent in the ground. This parable teaches us that God has given each of us different gifts and opportunities, and He expects us to use them for His glory and the benefit of others. We should not be lazy or fearful, but faithful and diligent. We should not hide our light under a basket, but let it shine before men. We should not bury our talents but invest them in God's kingdom.

 

What are some of the characteristics that we need to develop and operate by in our daily lives to operate in excellence in all areas of our lives? Here are some suggestions based on biblical principles:

 

- Integrity: Proverbs 10:9 says, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." Integrity means being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in what we say and do. It means keeping our promises, honoring our commitments, and being accountable for our actions. It does not matter how insignificant or unimportant a task or activity may seem to you, to someone else it may be a lifeline. An example of a lack of integrity is telling someone that you are traveling to meet you are only 5 minutes away when you are really 10 minutes away. Integrity means being faithful to God. If we believe that He is all-knowing then we know that He knows everything that we say and do as written by David in Psalm 139:1-6.

- Diligence: Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Diligence means working hard, being productive, having the mindset to be successful, and doing things well. It means being focused, organized, and disciplined. It means being proactive, creative, and resourceful. It means being faithful to God and responsible to others. When you develop and practice this attitude you won’t need to have anyone micromanaging you as you will hold yourself accountable to God and to yourself first. If your lunch break ends at 2 pm practice to be back at least 5 minutes before, not right on time, or 5 minutes after.

- Excellence: Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Excellence means having high standards, pursuing quality, and striving for improvement. It means being positive, optimistic, and enthusiastic. It means being grateful, generous, and gracious. It means being faithful to God and respectful to others.

 

As a Christian, operating in excellence is important because it glorifies God and reflects His character. It edifies others and builds His kingdom. Because it fulfills our purpose and expresses our worship.

 

How can we develop and apply these habits daily to everything we do and with everyone we interact with? Here are some practical steps:

 

- Start with prayer: Ask God to help you live according to his will and his ways. Ask Him to give you wisdom, strength, and grace for each day. Ask him to show you areas where you need to grow and change.

- Plan your day: Set realistic goals and priorities for each day. Make it your practice to write a daily “things to do list”, review it regularly, and cross out tasks as soon as you have completed them. Allocate your time and resources wisely. Consistently doing the bare minimum (satisficing) to get by will not make you a person of excellence. Avoid distractions and procrastination.

- Always do your best: Whatever task or challenge you face, do it with all your heart as unto the Lord. Don't settle for mediocrity or complacency.  Seek feedback and improvement. Learn from your mistakes and failures.

- Be flexible: Be open to new opportunities and challenges. Be adaptable to changing circumstances and situations. Be willing to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge. Be ready to face the unexpected and the unknown.

- Be humble: Recognize your limitations and weaknesses. Acknowledge your dependence on God and your need for his grace. Seek his guidance and direction. Submit to his authority and sovereignty.

- Be respectful: Treat everyone with dignity and kindness. Listen attentively and empathetically. Speak politely and constructively. Act courteously and considerately.

- Be helpful: Look for ways to serve others and meet their needs. Offer your assistance and support. Share your resources and gifts. Encourage others with your words and actions.

- Be thankful: Appreciate what God has done for you and what he has given you. Express your gratitude to him daily through prayer and praise. Show your appreciation to others through words and deeds.

 

How can we identify our areas of weakness and work on them consistently until we have improved in those areas? Here are some suggestions:

 

-Develop and embrace an attitude of learning continually. Each time you come across something new find out about it. Be hungry for knowledge and seek answers. For example, if you see or hear a word you do not know, find out the meaning of it. The next time you hear it you will know what it means. You can then explain it if someone asks.

- Seek feedback: Ask others for their honest and constructive opinions about your performance and behavior. Listen to their suggestions and criticisms without being defensive or offended. Learn from their perspectives and experiences.

- Seek mentors: Find someone who has the skills, knowledge, or character that you want to develop or improve. Ask them to guide you, teach you, or coach you. Follow their advice and example. Learn from their successes and failures.

- Seek resources: Find books, articles, podcasts, videos, courses, or workshops that can help you learn more about your areas of improvement. Read, watch, listen, or attend them regularly. Apply what you learn to your daily life.

- Seek accountability: Find a friend, colleague, or partner who can help you stay on track with your goals and plans. Share your progress and challenges with them regularly. Ask them to remind, motivate, or correct you when needed. Most importantly, be your own accountability watchdog.

 

Conclusion

Can making these improvements in the way we operate and live our lives be a powerful witness to others about who Jesus is and how allowing Him to influence our lives can change us for the better? Absolutely! By living in excellence, we can demonstrate the reality and relevance of the gospel to others. We can show them that following Christ is not weird, boring, or burdensome, but joyful and fulfilling. We can demonstrate to them that Christianity is a way that affects every facet of our existence. We can show them that being a Christian is not about being perfect or superior, but about being transformed and empowered by God's grace. We can show them that God loves them, has a plan for them, and can make their lives better.

 

As  Christians, we have special roles to play in the world. We are not just followers of Christ, but we are His ambassadors or representatives. Our actions and words should show His love, grace, and truth to others. We should strive to do everything with excellence, as a way of honoring God and serving His purposes. Let us therefore strive to become people of excellence following Christ, for his glory and for our good.