10.29.2009

Boyd Bailey: Character Is Trustworthy…

“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:11-12

Character can be trusted because there is a commitment to integrity in its dealings. There is no going behind someone’s back or disguising the truth. Trustworthiness is straight-forward and very clear with its intentions. It is profitable in its business dealings but not because of compromise with its values. Trust is the result of a track record of honesty.

What happens when someone violates your trust? It could be a broken promise or a betrayed confidence. How does this make you feel? Do you struggle with anger, disappointment and resentment? When you feel violated you lose confidence in the one inflicting its pain. So you have a choice: you can stew in your resentment or you can help renew their status of trustworthiness. For sure a broken trust does take time for grace to mend.

Perhaps you start by lovingly pointing out the place of offense. Jesus said, “So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). If you do not address indiscretions they will become more frequent and they will grow in their intensity. Grace receives back a repentant friend and helps them build up their trust.

The Lord and leaders are looking for trustworthy followers. A wife longs for a trusted husband and a husband desires a trusted wife. An employer requires a trusted employee and an employee remains with a trusted employer. Christ blesses a trusted follower with more but removes His blessing from someone He can’t trust. Trust equals more.

Jesus said, " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:28-29). “Can God and others trust me with more?” “Am I a trustworthy follower of Jesus Christ?

Related Readings:
Nehemiah 13:13; Proverbs 11:13; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 3:11

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

No comments: