Trustworthiness is a characteristic that is valued greatly in the Bible. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity who keep our word and fulfill our responsibilities. When we are trustworthy, we reflect God’s own faithfulness and point others to Him. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the many passages in Scripture that discuss the importance of being trustworthy people.
Introduction
The Bible has a lot to say about being trustworthy. As followers of Christ, we are representatives of Him in this world. Our actions and character should reflect the nature of God – who is perfectly faithful and true. When we are trustworthy, we display the Lord’s goodness and set a positive example for others.
Some key biblical principles about being trustworthy include:
- God calls us to be honest and fulfill our commitments
- Trustworthy people keep their promises even when it is costly
- Acting with integrity pleases God and blesses others
- Being trustworthy leads to a good reputation and influence
- Faithfulness in small matters prepares us for bigger responsibilities
- God rewards those who are dependable and walk in righteousness
In this comprehensive guide, we will dig into Bible passages about what it means to be trustworthy people. As we explore these principles, it is my prayer that we would grow in integrity and honor the Lord with faithful lives.
Trustworthiness Reflects God’s Character
One reason we are called to be trustworthy is that it reflects the very character of God. He is repeatedly described in Scripture as being perfectly faithful, true, and reliable. Here are some verses that describe God’s trustworthy nature:
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19)
“Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.” (Psalm 119:142)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Because God is completely trustworthy, we can have total confidence that His Word is true and His promises will come to pass. His faithfulness endures forever. As His followers, we are called to emulate His trustworthiness in our own lives. This brings Him glory and points people toward His goodness.
Be Honest and Keep Commitments
The Bible clearly instructs us as Christians to be honest people who keep our commitments. Here are several verses that communicate this:
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9)
“The righteous person walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7)
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)
“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)
As followers of Christ, we are to be people of our word. That means not telling lies or being deceptive. We keep the commitments we make, even when it becomes difficult. This demonstrates that God is more important to us than anything else in this world. Our honesty and integrity help make our witness effective for the Gospel.
Keep Promises Even When Costly
Being trustworthy as Christians means keeping promises and fulfilling responsibilities even when it involves personal cost or sacrifice. Here are some verses that convey this important idea:
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)
“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
Keeping promises often requires sacrifice. Fulfilling a commitment when it no longer seems beneficial requires faith in God. He honors those who honor their word. By being trustworthy even when difficult, we grow in godly character and bless those who are counting on us.
Act with Integrity to Please God
The Bible says our actions and behavior matter greatly. God is pleased when we walk in integrity and righteousness. Here are some verses about acting with integrity:
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3)
“Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” (Proverbs 28:18)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Living with integrity includes being truthful, avoiding deception, and honoring commitments. These actions please God when they flow from a heart of love for Him. Our motivation for upright living is to reflect His character and bring Him glory.
As we grow in integrity, we come to resemble Christ more closely. God prepares good works for us to bless others when we walk in them. Pleasing God should be our highest aim.
Trustworthiness Blesses Others
When we act with godly integrity, it blesses those around us. Our trustworthy behavior has an impact on others and influences them toward righteousness.
Consider these Proverbs that describe how trustworthy people are a blessing:
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (10:9)
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (11:3)
“Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” (16:12)
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (21:3)
When we deal honestly, keep promises, and act with sincerity – it has a positive influence on others. Leaders and communities function best when people act with integrity. Trustworthy behavior also makes our witness for Christ more effective because it displays His righteousness.
God blesses faithful people because their actions create an environment where righteousness can flourish. Our integrity promotes truth, justice and the fear of God.
Trustworthiness Leads to Good Reputation
The way we conduct ourselves affects how others perceive our reputation. When we are dependable and keep our word, it leads to a good name. Consider these Proverbs:
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1 NIV)
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1 ESV)
Being known as someone with integrity is a valuable asset. It is more beneficial than material wealth. When people can count on your character and honesty, you have a good reputation.
That good reputation then affords you trust, influence and opportunity to bless others. We read this in Proverbs:
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
Because of their integrity and good name, trustworthy people have open doors to bless others. Their reputation affords them greater opportunities to serve God. Having a good name ultimately allows us to fulfill our calling and further God’s kingdom purposes.
As followers of Jesus, being known for our integrity and honesty is incredibly important. It blesses those around us and gives us greater capacity for kingdom influence. Our reputation matters as we represent Christ.
Faithfulness in Small Things First
The Bible teaches that trustworthiness in seemingly small or insignificant matters is incredibly important. When we are faithful in little things, it prepares us for larger opportunities. Consider these verses:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10)
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” (Matthew 25:21)
Being trustworthy in small, daily choices and responsibilities demonstrates that we are ready for more. It is in the routine moments when our character is refined.
Faithfulness should start within our families, jobs and churches. As we prove dependable in behind-the-scenes roles, God will elevate us to other positions. If we compromise integrity in little things, more responsibility could prove harmful. But God rewards and advances the faithful.
God Rewards the Trustworthy
Not only does being trustworthy bless others, but it also leads to spiritual rewards from the Lord. He honors righteousness and takes note of obedience.
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20)
“The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness.” (1 Samuel 26:23)
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)
As we walk in integrity and keep our word, God sees it. In due time, He will open doors of opportunity and bless us materially so that we can be a greater blessing. Faithfulness leads to spiritual riches from the Lord.
Ultimately, God’s reward for trustworthiness is eternal life and treasures in heaven. Though it costs us on earth, the eternal reward far outweighs the temporary costs. Trustworthy living stores up eternal dividends.
Conclusion
What does the Bible say about being trustworthy? God clearly emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty and faithfulness throughout Scripture. When we keep our word and fulfill commitments – even at personal cost – it pleases the Lord. He calls us to emulate His perfect faithfulness.
Acting with integrity blesses others, builds our reputation, and grants us greater opportunity for kingdom influence. While the world compromises truth, followers of Jesus must walk uprightly. We are ambassadors of Christ.
Though living trustworthily is difficult, God promises to reward those who do. As we daily choose righteousness, it strengthens our character and draws us closer to the Lord. By God’s grace, may we be found faithful!
