Establishing Trust
Good Morning,
I have heard married couples struggle with trust, as one who had betrayed the other asks to simply be trusted. The problem is that no one should trust a stranger. A stranger is someone who has not proven their behavior in various situations, and as such, can not be depended upon.
A man or woman who did that which the spouse could not believe, who was trusted but acted in a way totally outside the realm of prior and expected response, cannot be trusted because they have become a stranger. We tell children not to trust a stranger. Well, when you become a stranger to your spouse by actions unbecoming a married person, you just moved to stranger status and will need to take a long time to reestablish that "trust."
So it is with government. I hear big business and government people talking about communication being needed to establish lost trust. NO! We do not need to talk. You are an untrustworthy stranger and will have to prove yourselves to be trustworthy over A VERY LONG TIME. You lost that trust like an adulterous spouse!
The word honest is only used in the Bible seven times; honesty is used once; honestly is used three times. Yet, for the few times the word is used, it is an extremely important principle in our world.
Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”
Romans 13:13 “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
1 Thessalonians 4:12 “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
We are exhorted to live a life of honesty.
1 Timothy 2:2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
A fruitful Christian needs an honest and good heart.
Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Acts 6:3 lifts up men with an honest reputation. That honesty is required to be in leadership in ministry work. "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
We are to live honest lives. (Romans 12:17, 2 Corinthians 8:21)
Even when we are lied about or our cause is slandered, we are to remain honest.
2 Corinthians 13:7 “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” (Also 1 Peter 2:12)
Paul urges us to think ONLY on honest things.
(That cuts out most media.)
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of that being said, "NO, WE WILL NOT TRUST GOVERNMENT, OR ALPHABET INSTITUTIONS – NOT FOR A LONG TIME." As married couples say, “THEY WILL NEED TO COME CLEAN FIRST.” Then they need to show open and honest behavior for an extended length of time.
A government that hides things, lies about things, and deceives the populace will not be trusted for a long time. Just as an adulterous spouse, no one will simply start trusting them!
Christian, do not think it will happen with your dishonest relationships either. When someone has been dishonest, be kind and tolerant if possible; do not hate or allow bitterness to fill your heart. When one proves to be dishonest, do not be so foolish as to simply start trusting them.
Pastor