An elderly man travelled abroad to visit his son, bringing a bicycle as a gift. He explained that he’d promised to buy his son a bicycle when he was a child, but he couldn’t afford it then. The son was deeply moved, and the experience inspired him to build trust with his own son, fulfilling every promise he makes.
Friend, trust is a major requirement for successful relationships (Genesis 18:19). When trust is absent, nothing else matters. You can keep doing your best as much as you can, but if the other person does not trust you, it is a waste of time and resources. We need to build trust with the people with whom we are in a relationship (Proverbs 20:6).
Trust is built. It does not happen automatically. It is not a gift. It is earned (Philippians 2:22). Sadly, once trust is broken, it is more difficult to rebuild. The things we say and do to people will affect the level of trust they have in us. If you keep acting consistently wrong, you are already making it difficult for people to trust you (Proverbs 25:19). You need to consistently keep your word.
At certain stages in life, serious things are not given to the gifted. They are given to the trusted (1 Timothy 1:11, 6:20). This is where gifted people miss it. They wonder why the right opportunities are not coming their way despite their gifts. They wonder why people are not giving them access despite their efforts. The missing link is trust. Can you be trusted (2 Corinthians 2:9)?
There are things God will give you because you trust Him. But there are things He would give you because He trusts you (Philippians 2:19-22). Don’t only develop trust in God. Let Him also be able to trust you. There are many people who trust God, but there are only a few people that God trusts. These are the people that God would give lasting influence and affluence (Luke 22:28-30).
Invest in building trust in your relationships. Let people be able to trust you. Let your spouse, children, pastor, colleague, etc., be able to trust you (Proverbs 31:11). Perhaps you have betrayed someone’s trust. Don’t be angry that they no longer trust you. Rather, take time to build it again (Philemon 1:10-15). Talk and act consistently right, and never make excuses for your misbehaviour.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria