CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 720

“Trust but Verify”

Matthew 21:28 (ESV) A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.

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The late US President Ronald Reagan used the signature phrase ‘Trust but verify’ often in his negotiations with the then Soviet Union. There is wisdom in that phrase. All too often we trust people and take them at their word only to find out later that we were betrayed. This is particularly bothersome when the reputation for not being trustworthy is true of those professing to be Christians.

Many people claim to be loyal, but it is hard to find a trustworthy person. – Proverbs 20:6

Trust relationships are fragile and easily broken. Once broken, they are very difficult to repair and rebuild. A truly trustworthy person would not take offense to a request to verify. When offense is taken it is usually because there is something to hide.

Verification is accountability – to your parents, spouse, Pastor, or your employer. A trustworthy person does not fear accountability.

…the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. – Dan 6:4

Trustworthy people say what they mean and mean what they say. You can count on a trustworthy person to do the work asked of them and that they will do it to the best of their ability as unto the Lord. A trustworthy person puts in an honest day’s work without theft of time or materials.

If you travel on business will your itinerary and expense accounting pass the scrutiny of your employer and your spouse?

Will your teenager’s cell phone and personal computer stand up to verification for purity and integrity of character? Will yours?

We all struggle to continually walk the fine line of integrity and trustworthiness. An honest man may steal food in order to feed his starving family. A desperate salesperson may stretch the truth in order to make a sale and earn commission. Economic and social environmental pressures can sometimes cause a breakdown between what we value and how we actually behave.

If you have been betrayed forgive the other party and do not let a root of bitterness take hold. Extend to them grace and mercy. Pray that you may be purged of all that would render you unworthy of the trust of others. Seek the power from God’s Holy Spirit to stay the course and walk the walk of integrity before God and all men.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God