FOCUS LIVING: Being a Trustworthy Christian: Aligning Words with Actions
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Key Scripture: Matthew 5:37 - "But make sure your statement is yes, yes, or no, no. Anything behind these is of evil origin."
Core Issue Addressed:
The gap between what Christians say and what they actually do, particularly in simple commitments like church attendance, event registration, and keeping appointments.
Essential Components of Christian Trustworthiness:
1. Consistency Between Words and Actions
Keeping promises and commitments
Following through on stated intentions
Being reliable in what you say you'll do
2. Upholding Confidentiality
Not gossiping or sharing private information
Only breaking confidentiality when life is in danger
Giving people opportunity to make things right themselves first
3. Practical Reliability
Showing up on time for commitments
Attending events you've registered for
Being honest about availability rather than making false promises
4. Truthfulness Without Harm
Avoiding white lies and deceptive excuses
Being honest while considering others' feelings
Not being hypocritical in speech
Biblical Examples:
Paul: Vulnerable about his struggles yet trustworthy in leadership
Judas: Betrayed Jesus when tested
Peter: Failed under pressure despite good intentions
John: Remained loyal and trustworthy to the end, earning Jesus' trust with His mother's care
The Grace Factor:
Christians will fail and make mistakes
Repentance means genuine change, not just asking forgiveness
The Holy Spirit convicts us when we fall short
We can rebuild trustworthiness through consistent changed behavior
Parental Responsibility:
Children "copy and paste" what they observe
Parents must model trustworthiness they expect from their children
Future relationships affected by patterns learned in childhood
Key Proverbs on Trustworthiness:
Proverbs 11:13 - Trustworthy people keep confidences
Proverbs 20:6-7 - Many claim trustworthiness, but few demonstrate it consistently
Takeaway: The Hebrew word for trustworthy means "dependable and faithful." Being trustworthy requires intentional effort because of sin's influence in the world. Christians must work to ensure their actions align with their words, remembering that their reliability reflects Christ's character to the watching world.
Core Issue Addressed:
The gap between what Christians say and what they actually do, particularly in simple commitments like church attendance, event registration, and keeping appointments.
Essential Components of Christian Trustworthiness:
1. Consistency Between Words and Actions
Keeping promises and commitments
Following through on stated intentions
Being reliable in what you say you'll do
2. Upholding Confidentiality
Not gossiping or sharing private information
Only breaking confidentiality when life is in danger
Giving people opportunity to make things right themselves first
3. Practical Reliability
Showing up on time for commitments
Attending events you've registered for
Being honest about availability rather than making false promises
4. Truthfulness Without Harm
Avoiding white lies and deceptive excuses
Being honest while considering others' feelings
Not being hypocritical in speech
Biblical Examples:
Paul: Vulnerable about his struggles yet trustworthy in leadership
Judas: Betrayed Jesus when tested
Peter: Failed under pressure despite good intentions
John: Remained loyal and trustworthy to the end, earning Jesus' trust with His mother's care
The Grace Factor:
Christians will fail and make mistakes
Repentance means genuine change, not just asking forgiveness
The Holy Spirit convicts us when we fall short
We can rebuild trustworthiness through consistent changed behavior
Parental Responsibility:
Children "copy and paste" what they observe
Parents must model trustworthiness they expect from their children
Future relationships affected by patterns learned in childhood
Key Proverbs on Trustworthiness:
Proverbs 11:13 - Trustworthy people keep confidences
Proverbs 20:6-7 - Many claim trustworthiness, but few demonstrate it consistently
Takeaway: The Hebrew word for trustworthy means "dependable and faithful." Being trustworthy requires intentional effort because of sin's influence in the world. Christians must work to ensure their actions align with their words, remembering that their reliability reflects Christ's character to the watching world.
