Trust and Obey

Editorial by Marjorie Kinnee

"When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way;

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will Trust and Obey.

Trust and Obey - for there's no other way,

To be happy in Jesus - but to Trust and Obey."

The words of this old song took on new meaning (for me) this week. Pondering on the issues of trust and obedience and an illustration oft repeated about the child who takes a blind leap on the say so of his father. Because he trusts his dad to catch him, a child obeys his father's command and jumps off some high place.
We use this analogy to explain faith as well as trust.

Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) Years later,  John added greater emphasis... "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2:3-4) He used strong words and serious implications that portend severe consequences (See Revelation 21:8.) in conjunction with obedience (keeping His commandments).

Consider these verses...
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (Hebrews 13:7) This verse describes trust in at least four premises...

1. Their "rule" is by the calling and appointment of God, (See I Corinthians 12:28.)
2. They teach "truth" from the Word of God,
3. Their "faith" is worth following, and,
4. The "results" of their teaching are eternal.

Drawing on these four premises leads to this conclusion: "remembering" (bearing in mind, accepting, giving heed to,) equates with trust.

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) The word, "obey" leads off; it's a clear command. Six important areas are emphasized...

1. Again, their "rule" is ordained of God, (See Ephesians 4:11-13.)
2. We are commanded to "submit" ourselves (to their rule),
3. They are charged with the responsibility of watching for our souls,
4. They must give an account of their ministry,
5. They also give account (witness) of our response - with joy or with grief,
6. If their report is given with "grief" - it will not profit us individually.

While a wealth of meaning can be attributed to the command to obey, and obedience is required in many situations and applications; one key point remains. Obedience is perfected when it is rooted in trust. What's more, the level of your trust is indicated by the scope of your obedience! (And vice-versa!) Thus, trusting obedience is the only way to demonstrate both obedience and trust - to yourself, and, to an unbelieving world. (See Acts 5:29; James 2:18.)

Trust and Obey - There's no other way!