Integrity: Part 4 - The Role of Trust in Faith

Remember, this study of Integrity is based on the premise that integrity is comprised of faith, honor and discipline. Continuing the study of faith, attention is now turned to the role of trust in faith.

Trust is a large component of faith. Frequently, “trust” and “faith” are used interchangeably. There are some differences, however. Faith is often a confidence in that which is unseen, while trust often describes confidence in that which can be perceived by the senses.

Trust is crucial to the life of integrity. Rare indeed is the one who possesses integrity without inspiring trust. God’s Word has much to say about trust: how it is gained, how it is maintained, where it is rightly put, as well as where and how it can be lost or destroyed.

Trust is often described as that which can be supported, confirmed or verified. Genesis 15:6 implies that Abraham’s belief came through the confirmation of Sarah’s pregnancy. God spoke to Moses (Exodus 19:9), not for Moses’ benefit, but to confirm the relationship they shared to the Israelites satisfaction. In 1 Samuel 3:20, trust in Samuel was gained by his actions. Even God’s word produces trust in itself. Psalm 19:7 speaks of the verifiable aspect of Holy Scripture. The book of Proverbs (11:13) tells us that trustworthiness validates a man’s integrity. Jonah, the prophet to Nineveh, gave a message that was able to be verified – a message that changed attitudes and actions (Jonah 3:5). 1 Corinthians 13:7 speaks to the vital role that trust plays in love. True love trusts what is told to it.

Trust also inspires confidence. When a matter can be verified, a level of confidence is gained. The man of integrity must develop not only a character that can be verified, but also a character that inspires confidence. Scripture outlines this aspect of trust in various ways. Deuteronomy 28:52 speaks of the confidence inspired by city walls. Psalm 9:10 tells of the confidence inspired by God’s name. A person’s name reveals much about their character. How much confidence is inspired in others at the mention of your name? Psalm 44:6 reminds of the fleeting security found in weapons – not very confidence-inspiring. But Psalm 115:9, 10, 11 extol the merits of the LORD as the true source of all confidence. A friend’s hurtful yet helpful words are more confidence building than the traitorous flattery of an enemy, according to Proverbs 27:6. In fact, trust yourself is an indication of foolishness, says Proverbs 28:26. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:3, 4 tells in what he places confidence – and it wasn’t what everyone else would have chosen!

The confidence trust inspires is described as a shelter, a safe place for others to occupy. The man of integrity protects others by being a man of his word, one in whom they can trust. This is the security found in a rock (Deuteronomy 32:37), an armor-bearer (Psalm 18:30), as well as a tower and shield (Psalm 144:2).

The life of integrity is one of faith and trust. As you place your trust in the Lord and His plans for you, reliance on the flesh weakens. A man of integrity is one who inspires confidence, not because has all the answers or knows all the solutions; but because He has learned the proper place for trust. The man of integrity inspires others to trust him because he is trusting God.

What are you doing to inspire others’ trust in God? Their appreciation for your directing them to God is what builds your character of integrity.