One of those root beliefs allows us trust God in all of its layers: do I believe He is dependable (i.e. He’ll show up when He says He will)? Do I believe He’s competent (i.e. He can do what He says He’ll do)? He’s approachable and will listen to me without derision and so we can be vulnerable with Him? He lives out His values and is not capricious—which admittedly can be a tricky belief if you watch what He does in scriptures?
Also, this cuts to our idolatry. We too often look for other things/ideas to give us peace: our bank accounts, our human relationships, our reputation, our influence—our socioeconomic status in short. What happens if it’s threatened? How much do we trust? How much do we think that status reflects our relationship with God? We might evaluate our circumstances for indications that we’re in God’s favor, God’s will...If a 1st-century career counselor met with the apostle Paul, the church-planter might be advised to stick with tent-making. “Paul, you’re being stoned, jailed, shipwrecked, run out of town...maybe you should consider a different career. Things aren’t going well for you. I think God has something else in mind for you to do. Just be a businessman and do evangelism with your customers and other one-on-one situations. Don’t be going into marketplaces and preaching to crowds...” When in business, our efforts aren’t showing financial success, we will think that God isn’t interested in this. If we really believed that it’s His money, His assets, and we are just stewards, we wouldn’t panic if He chooses to move the money to other places as investments in new areas...as long as we’re doing all we can, working as if He’s the Boss, and praying for guidance.
The same is true for social justice issues. Why wouldn’t we act as His hands, His eyes, His heart? If we really believed all people are created in His image, and He loves them unconditionally, how can we not love, respect and bless everyone...even the jerks and scary types?
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