Unleash Kingdom RelationshipsSample

Foundation of Trust

Pause for a moment and think about the people with whom you have the strongest relationships. Chances are those relationships are strong because of the trust you have built with one another. What characteristics do they possess that make them trustworthy?

Three significant characteristics for building a foundation of trust in our relationships at work include: Authenticity, Vulnerability, Consistency.

We can rely on people who possess these characteristics with confidence. But putting confidence in someone who is lacking can be harmful, as Proverbs 25:19 indicates. What about you? How are you doing with developing these characteristics so others can confidently trust you?

Authenticity comes with being genuine. Developing authenticity requires embracing who you are, knowing you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and believing what God says about you as opposed to being influenced by what others say or what you think they expect.

• Who defines who you think you’re supposed to be?
• How can you shift your focus to what God says about you?

Vulnerability makes us more approachable to others. It requires letting the walls down and being honest about your weaknesses and struggles, giving God the glory for the good work you do.

• Where do you put up protective walls that really need to come down?
• How can you lean on God to become more comfortable with being vulnerable?

Consistency gives others confidence in what they can expect from us. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of consistency (Hebrews 13:8). It requires that your words line up with your actions, and you treat everyone equally regardless of their title or other attributes. You build trust when your behaviors and responses to challenges are consistent over time and through various circumstances.

• Do your words and actions line up? Where are you inconsistent?
• What can you do to be more consistent in what you say and do?

Choose one area to work on over the next week and lean on God, His Word, and prayer to support you. Remember, you can’t change yourself. Only God can do that.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to develop the characteristics I need to build a strong foundation of trust with people at work. Show me where I need to grow and give me the wisdom, strength, and power by your Holy Spirit to change so I can be a positive influence on others for Your Kingdom. Amen.