The Biscuit TrailNäide

Earning Someone's Trust

My undergraduate degree was in Classical Studies (Ancient Greek and Roman stuff), so I knew something about the reliability of ancient texts and how scribes transmitted and translated the Bible. The lads I had just met in the pub didn't know much about ancient history but they were still very confident that the Bible couldn't be trusted because it had been 'changed' in some ways that they couldn't describe.

It was a frustrating conversation for me, but looking back, it's totally understandable that they didn't think some random student in a pub was the best resource for religious education. On the other hand, my friends and family do come to me when they have questions about the ancient world.

People often learn to trust a Christian before they learn to trust Christ. We are his representatives and messengers, and a message endorsed by a trustworthy source is given more respect than a message endorsed by strangers or charlatans.

The message that has been entrusted to us is discredited when we lie, cheat, gossip, or betray trust in any other way. Paul and Timothy commended themselves through their endurance, purity, patience, kindness and love. They commended themselves through the power of the Spirit and through truthfulness.

You don't need to be trusted before you can share the hope you have in Jesus with someone, but every opportunity to build trust is an opportunity to serve the Lord and build reliability as one of his witnesses.

Action

Trust is not earned overnight. If you struggle with exaggeration, gossip, or any other behaviour that harms your credibility, ask a mentor or a friend to give you accountability and support. Do what you said you would do, and don't endorse messages carelessly.

Prayer

Confess the ways you have discredited Jesus' message with your behaviour. Thank Jesus for his integrity and mercy. Ask the Spirit to cultivate honesty, perseverance and integrity in your life.

Pray for those who have been hurt by Christians, that our inconsistency would not remain a barrier to faith for them.

Pray for the Church around the world to be protected from charlatans that discredit us, and to grow in holiness, honesty and wisdom.