The quality of trustworthiness is a foreign concept to many adults, yet good parents will always seek to pass on this trait to their children. It is often a challenge to even describe the concept of being trustworthy, but understanding helps us practice good habits. We understand that trustworthiness has to do with obedience, but it must go beyond it to become part of our character.
Being trustworthy—keeping your word—is a black and white issue. You either make happen what you said is going to happen, or you do not. If you said you are going to produce some result by a certain time, and you do not, no number of reasons, excuses, justifications or apologies can alter that fact. Many times, we give our word or commit ourselves to things in too hasty a manner. Usually, a little more thought or a change in circumstances reveals the full truth of the situation. In these situations, it may cost us time, money and effort to stick to our promises, but that is necessary. If we fail to keep our word when things get tough, our reputation of trustworthiness will suffer.
The bottom line is this: when there is something expected of you, and you do not do it, there are consequences. People from all walks of life expect you to never lie, never be late, never cheat on a test or steal. They also expect you to pay the consequences if you do any of these things. These consequences are usually felt right away and oftentimes are extended because we are known by what we have or have not done in the past. When people put their trust in us, they are not necessarily putting trust in right circumstances, their ability to watch us, the hope that we will choose right associations or other things that may help us be trustworthy. They are putting their trust in us to do right no matter what the circumstance, association or emotion.
These can be complicated issues for children to understand and apply, but it starts small with obedience and builds as the years go by. In Character Connection, biblical examples abound as the teachers tell of real people who lived for God and carried out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness. They were trustworthy.
Memory Verse: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48