Every day I am hearing that people believe our country and the world is in chaos. They are referring to fire, pandemic, crime, drug issues, suicide and extreme political unrest. There is a lack of trust. So what does make for a better society? The theologian Paul Tillich said: “We have to build a better man before we can build a better society.”

The world is looking for trustworthy youth, men and women, who will show up to work on time and be there during the difficult times to be responsible for their jobs and tasks. We need people who are loyal and can be counted on when things are difficult and strained. We need people who are faithful to their families and friends. We need people who keep their promises and are truthful.

Many people have forgotten that the source of our American values and virtues is the Bible. Being trustworthy is a biblical principle.

Proverbs 20:6 searchingly asks: “Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,

But who can find a trustworthy man?” The apostle Paul proclaimed that it is required of a steward, that the steward is trustworthy. 1 Cor. 4:2.

The Boy Scouts of America Oath tells us: “A Scout is: Trustworthy. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.”

There you have it. When we tell the truth and keep our promises, other people can depend on us. We have to earn trust. When you are found truthful and trustworthy, you deserve respect.

In the Old Testament, Moses taught that his people needed to find leaders who were trustworthy and honest to lead them. Exodus 18:21. Moses also taught that we need to be absolutely honest with one another in our business dealings. Deut. 24:13-16. In other words, when we tell people we are going to do something, we need to do it. We need to be fair and honest.

The problem is that some people break their promises by having excuses. The apostle Luke tells us that a person who is faithful in the little things becomes faithful in the big things. And conversely, those who are dishonest in very little are also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10-12. When we fail to be trustworthy, other people lose confidence in us.

We all know that our reputation precedes us into every room and situation we go into. People will either respect you for being trustworthy and honest or not.

Having a reputation for being untrustworthy destroys our lives, relationships and opportunities. Having a reputation of being trustworthy will open doors and opportunities you would never otherwise have. Being trustworthy is motivated by Christian love and respect for the other person. We want to be more Christ-like.

Christ was always truthful and honest and was concerned about fairness to those He helped. We are honest with others because Christ loved us so much that He kept His promises to us, including going to the cross for our eternal hope.

Dr. Roger Holl is pastor of Sterling Grace Community Church and director of VisionAlaska, Alaska Brethren Ministries. This series can be viewed on YouTube or Facebook under Sterling Grace Community Church or email: akbrethrenministries@gmail.com.