Building Trust

Building Trust

Trust is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. Hall of Fame NFL star Deion Sanders once said, “You don’t earn another player’s trust in games; you earn another player’s trust in practice.”

You see, trust is usually something that is built over time. Sanders was explaining that the trust teammates built during practice allowed them to play confidently during the game.

What about you? How do you build trust in relationships over time?

Here are five simple principles to help you build trust:

1. Be reliable by doing what you say you are going to do.
2. Be honest, and always tell the truth as you speak from your heart.
3. Be open to others’ thoughts and opinions. Stay teachable.
4. Keep confidences, and don’t pass along gossip.
5. Show your integrity by being loyal and objective. Don’t play favorites.

Joseph is an example of being trustworthy. When tempted to break his master’s trust and sleep with Potiphar’s wife, Joseph remained strong. Genesis 39:8-9 states, “Joseph refused. ‘Look,’ he told her, ‘my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.’”

Clearly, Joseph decided in advance to be a trustworthy young man. Let’s be people in the workplace and in our homes who keep and build trust!

How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.

Genesis 39:9