Trust is essential to lead as a husband, parent, teacher, mentor, supervisor, and all others who are in a position of responsibility to care for others.  Over the last two weeks in “Service Saturdays”, we considered the importance of “circles of proof and circles of access” and understanding some “hindrances to trust“.  But, of course, we also need to know how to build and keep trust.

Again, please note that I originally produced these videos as an Army Chaplain for my unit’s personnel stationed around the world. So each one begins with a legal disclaimer and ends with my contact information.  Each video also applies biblical principles in non-religious language to facilitate the broadest use.  Because tools4trenches is an explicitly Christian ministry blog, I will precede each video with related Scripture passages and discussion questions for your use with your family, church, or other groups as God leads you.

Consider these questions and Scriptures on leadership and practical pathways to trust.

• What evidence (other than miracles from prophets and Apostles) do godly leaders provide to build others’ trust in them? (1 Samuel 18:5, 2 Samuel 3:31-39, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:12, etc.)
• In what practical ways did Nehemiah build trust by resourcing his fellow Israelites (physically and otherwise) for success? (Nehemiah 2:1-8, 2:11-18, 4:15-23, 5:1-13, 5:14-19, 7:1-4, 8:9-12, 12:31-47, 13:1ff)
• In Matthew 5-7, Matthew 18:1-19:2, Luke 23:27 (in context), and at many other times, the Lord Jesus shared His vision of priorities with others by teaching and by action, and large crowds followed Him.  What themes of priorities did He share, and how did this build others’ trust in Him?
• How is your trust in Jesus strengthened by knowing that He shares His heart with His followers and calls them “friends”?  (John 15:12-17)
• Why must leaders – especially those who claim to follow Christ – check themselves for integrity? (Matthew 23:1ff, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, James 2:14-26)
• Why does God’s Word call His holy people to initiate relationship and remain open to others as a key way of building their trust in Him? (Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 10:25-37, Romans 12:16, James 1:27, etc.)
• Consider the context of the following passages calling us to acknowledge our shortcomings:  Isaiah 2:11-17, Matthew 23:12, Luke 1:52, 14:11, and 18:14, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6.  How can this build others’ faith in the truth of Jesus’ grace, holiness, sovereignty, and rule over our lives?

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