I have recently been told that removing myself from an ungodly situation means I am not trusting God. That, based on God’s sovereignty, He will remove the sinning individual or deal with them on His terms and I have no responsibility to manage or steward my soul. This is unbiblical and wrong.

It is true that we struggle to trust God instead of trusting ourselves, or others. Trust is a work of the Holy Spirit that, like other steps of faith, requires intentionality and practice. Jesus said:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 CSB)

This is one of many biblical principles that, misused, puts individuals in harm’s way and severely limits their God-given ability. How could trusting God possibly be wrong?

The tenet of “trusting God” is dangerous when:

1. It removes accountability from the individual in a position of authority
2. It favors one individual at the cost of another
3. It requires risk for one individual and no risk for another

How can that be? What would it look like?

• Being rebuked, chastised, or guilted into always agreeing with the individual in authority: i.e. “God put me in this position. To disagree with me is to disagree with God. Trust God. He will take care of you.” (So I can do things my way without resistance.)
• Encouragement to remain in an ungodly relationship or organization: i.e. “You can trust God. He put you here. He will enable and empower you to stay here.”
• Excusing a lack of resources and human dignity: i.e. “Trust God. He promises to provide your every need in Christ Jesus.”
• If/When you do not obey or follow suit, “You’re not trusting God.”

In each of the above, the person requiring obedience or trust is exposing their unwillingness to trust God. Trusting God means we may not get what we want, when we want it. Trusting God means not attempting to manage others or outcomes. Trusting God may result in potential loss.

Take a close look at the person demanding trust. Do they exhibit trust in God? When/If a person or situation is “out of control,” do others see them demonstrating what it looks like to trust God? How do they respond to loss? If they talk about suffering–maybe past suffering–but seldom experience the type of suffering they impose on others, something is wrong.

Trusting God results in obeying His Word, living in a way that accurately represents His character and Spirit.

Trusting God looks like removing one’s self from danger (Prov. 27:12) and keeping one’s self in the love of God regardless of false teaching (Jude 21), and exposing the deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11). We don’t do this because we don’t want to please God, but because we love God–and love for God and our neighbor creates a desire for their good. We want to respond to evil with good (Rom. 12:21). God defines “good” as being conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus (Rom 8:28-29). In that case, nothing is better than exposing sin and providing an opportunity for repentance. Instead of trusting those who are untrustworthy, let’s walk in truth, freedom and the love of Jesus Christ.