1277) The world, as in culture, continuously changes. If you are wise, you adjust the way you exist within them. For example, there used to be a time when giving the benefit of the doubt was admirable. Now, it may be very unwise.

Social media and other news carriers illustrate regularly why giving the benefit of a doubt is imprudent. Trusting people just because they look decent, speak the right words or carry a supposed bag of testimonials does not mean you should trust them. So the question becomes, what criteria should I use to vet those who seem to be trustworthy?

The answer to this is found in 1 Timothy 3:16. This verse tells us Jesus was “believed by the world” of that time. Why was he believed? It was not solely because the apostles said so. The word for believed here means to trust that Jesus can do what he says. I believe or trust because I have looked at the evidence. Here, I would look at Jesus’ life and noting his “track record,” sort-of-speak.

This same “believe” can also apply to putting my trust in God because I have looked at his track record in the Bible and in my life.

God doesn’t want his children to have blind faith. Why? Because that’s when you can get burned. God’s words and actions will supply evidence that your trust is warranted.