May 12, 1999

LIFE & WORK:
Trust is a cornerstone in any vital relationship
___ Exodus 18:17-23; Psalm 15:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:11
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___Trust serves as a giant pillar of support in any vital relationship. Whether applied to a foxhole, a co-worker, a family member or a church, trust establishes and maintains an intimate support group. This lesson focuses on ways we can be a friend as well as have a friend.
___ Be trustworthy (Psalm 15:1-5). Integrity remains essential for earning trust. Before you can expect intimate relationships with others, you must first become the kind of person whom you would trust. In other words, to have a friend, you must first be a friend.
___David described a life that honors God. Important qualities included acting rightly (v. 2), speaking from the heart (v. 2), controlling the tongue (v. 3), despising evil while embracing truth (v. 4), keeping promises no matter how difficult they may be (v. 4) and refusing to take advantage of others (v. 5).
___Unfortunately, the infrequency of these qualities screams out, even among the Christian community. Sometimes we conveniently ignore God's word when obedience would cost us too dearly. Until we regain integrity, trust will remain weak. Likewise, without trust, relationships will suffer. We must first allow God to purify our character.
___ Trust others (Exodus 18:17-23). Human wisdom says, "If you want a job done right, do it yourself." However, Jesus taught us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Disciples multiply God's kingdom by participation and they provide a support community. Lone actions limit the scope of influence and effectiveness.
___Moses received timely council from Jethro, his father-in-law. Moses was spending all day settling disputes (both big and small) among the people. This time-consuming process was dangerous to his health and the spiritual development of the nation (vv. 17-18). Jethro suggested that Moses appoint trustworthy officials over the people to settle small disputes (v. 21-22). Moses would continue to handle difficult cases (v. 22), and he would continue to represent the people before God (vv. 19-20). Only he could do those things. However, others could help share the load if Moses would only trust them.
___Mutual dependence is necessary to build a trusting community. In the case of Moses, sharing the load allowed him to survive as a leader. Jethro also predicted that the people would find satisfaction (v. 23).
___ Be gracious and forgiving (2 Timothy 4:11). This short verse tells the end of a story that began in Acts 15:36-40. John Mark had deserted Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. Because of Mark's past performance, Paul was unwilling to allow his presence on the second journey. The debate between Paul and Barnabas was so sharp that they parted ways and took separate routes. However, Paul developed a new attitude toward Mark. At the end of his life, he found he needed a co-worker. Paul forgave the past and allowed Mark to have a second chance.
___Sooner or later, people will disappoint you. If we wish to maintain trusting relationships, we must be eager to forgive others rather than eliminate them because of their failure.

---

Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!