Everyone has an inner circle. Prime Ministers and Presidents are usually the ones that come to mind. Others have them as well; it appears that human beings are not able to function without communicating the special details of life to at least one other person!
There is always speculation about what it takes to get to the “inside”. Some suggest that it is telling the person in the center what he always wants to hear. Others try to work their way in by volunteering for jobs they think someone really values. In contrast are those who find themselves in without their knowledge. How does one make it?
One of the first rules of thumb goes something like this; “A gadabout gossip can't be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won't violate a confidence.” (Proverbs 11.13) The second, courtesy of Brennan Manning, follows; “trust is faith lived out in action.” The third wraps it up; “faith is belief in someone because of whom and what they are.”
I find myself on the edge of an inner circle where the missing ingredient is trust. This is, for anyone, a precarious position. Trust is the critical bridge in first making faith a reality and then following it up by the excitement of living out the reality.
You and I have the chance to join God's inner circle. He offers us the chance to be His special agents to this world. It is an incredible opportunity that few fully realize. Too often we presume that the speculation on what it takes to make it are true; so we work hard, say and do the “right” things, and pursue the goal. As a result we get nowhere! The path is clear.
First, live faith out in life. Faith in God, what She stands for, and what He has done. Let each decision mirror God's values and priories. Even when one struggles with their doubts and fears – live, really live the values. Second, be accountable to yourself and God for the responsibility that comes.
The invitation is open.
