Last year, Chris and Julien wrote a book called Trust Agents.  They talked about people we turn to because we trust them. They carefully and thoughtfully build reputations. They care about other people. Even though they may be part of an organization or company, they care more about people than about the structure.

One of the characteristics of a trust agent, according to Chris and Julien, is that trust agents are “One of Us.” We are more likely to trust someone if we think they understand what it’s like to be us, if they are part of our community, if they belong.

For example, I am more likely to listen to you talk about how to cope with losing a job if you actually had a job and lost it. I am more likely to believe that your company cares about me if you care about me even if there is nothing in it for you.

And if you are God and perfect and mystical and holy, I am going to be more likely to trust you–as opposed to feeling coerced or thinking you imaginary–if you become one of us.

John says that’s exactly what “The Word” did.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

The Word, one of John’s names for Jesus, put on a body and walked around with people. But not so much like possession, like there was a body around and he filled it. More like he put on flesh, like he became human.

I know. There is much for theologians in this (how much God, how much human; can you be 200% something?) And I only have 20 words left.

If God were looking for trust, becoming one of us would be a big step. Of course, it would be impossible.

Unless you’re God.