In my last article, I spoke about a recent flying experience from Las Vegas to Milwaukee to officiate a wedding. As I mentioned, it was a strange flight due to COVID-19 mandates and the eerily quiet ride of voiceless passengers. In short, I mentioned that we are almost universally wired for community and the deafening silence reminded me of this truth.

That was the trip there and now, the journey home.

While I could restate the similar experience of rules, restrictions, and relational emptiness, another thought entered my mind, namely the trust every passenger has in the pilots of the plane to safely get us home.

It is true, of course, that everyone on the aircraft has a vested interest in the success of the flight, including the flight crew, but it cannot be overstated that only two people, the pilot and co-pilot, determine the human side of the equation. Certainly, the weather and mechanical issues can influence safe arrival, but, again, absent these intangibles, the ones who know what to do need to do what needs to be done.  

This reminded me of the various individuals we trust every day.

We trust doctors, lawyers, architects, and administrators.

We trust bus drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, railroad engineers, even amusement ride operators.

We trust plumbers, electricians, and builders.

We trust police, firefighters, first responders, and so many others to help us arrive at our figurative and literal destinations.

We trust companies as relates to our environment, employment, safe space, and fiscal stewardship, to ensure stability.

We trust financial institutions, markets, and fiduciaries, to act ethically.

We even cautiously trust each other in traffic.

The point is, we collectively and inherently trust one another whether we believe it or not. Even the skeptic must forego some cynicism and acquiesce to others’s expertise.

I struggle with some who say God cannot be trusted—that God has a laissez-faire attitude toward humanity and has little care on a micro or macro scale for human affairs. This is roughly what a deist believes.

Even though I would scarcely consider my houseplants on an equal plane as me, it doesn’t mean I have no concern for the well-being of the plants. If I purchase an automobile, I am not released from routine maintenance and care. I have two Golden Retrievers; am I not responsible for their general health and happiness?

Solomon, one of the wisest people to ever live, said this, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

If you and I are willing to trust so many around us to ensure our safe travel in this world, how much more should we trust the one who has created us for the next world?

Think about it this week. Trust me.

Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ. He can be reached at Kent@canyon-church.com.