Biblical Multiplication Modelsনমুনা

‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen’ (Hebr. 11:1). Faith is based on trust. Do we dear to trust God and entrust ourselves to God, while we do not yet see?

The same goes for cooperation. The party that is the first to give is vulnerable and must trust the other party to deliver, while this is not yet certain. In financial terms: there is a credit risk. But if we are able to trust one another, we are able to cooperate, and in doing so create growth, welfare and well-being.

How do we create a culture of trust? A great Biblical example is Jesus in his relationship with Peter. After Peter had denied knowing Him three times over (Matt. 26:33-34), Jesus reconfirmed his trust in him (John 21:15-19). Here Peter personally experienced God’s love and grace, so that in later life he was perfectly capable of testifying who Jesus is. Peter was to become one of the greatest of the twelve apostles.

1. Trust is strongly related to expectation management: ‘What can we expect from the other person?’ This is why transparency is key. Always be honest and tell the truth. Make sure you know each other. Jesus knew Peter and that is why he could deal with his behaviour (Matt. 26:33-34). Peter knew Jesus and that is why he could face Him again after his denial (John 21:7).
2. Encourage openness and transparency by honouring mistakes and failures as moments of growth. Every person has a right to his own failures and mistakes to be able to grow in his work and character (John 21: 15-27).
3. Avoid a culture of judgment and comparison, a culture of them-and-us that only appreciates the strongest. Each person is unique and has their own role to play. (John 21:19).
4. Trust grows if we address people’s potential, not their actual situation (John 21: 15-21); and if we judge people for their convictions, values and ordinary behaviour instead of for their unconscious behaviour stimulated by particular circumstances (Matt. 26:75). Trust grows if we are able to show mercy.

It is the non-economical values that are at the basis of growth and well-being. Trust is creative power. High-trust societies are rich and low-trust societies are poor. Trust is the currency of growth, welfare and well-being. Love is the driver. Grace the evidence.

Question for the day
What role does trust play in your way of doing business?