Trust

Recently, I have thought a lot about trust. The dictionary defines trust as "the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something."

In business and in life, building trust defines us not just as an employee, but it defines us as people. My papa always used to say that when you give a man your word, it is your bond.

To be trustworthy, people must display trustworthy behaviors:

• Do what they say they are going to do (their bond).

• Meet their deadlines and commitments.

• Keep information confidential.

• Give you feedback in a respectful, helpful way.

• Be consistent about giving others the credit they deserve.

• Admit mistakes and accept responsibility for their actions.

I read a story about an expert climber who decided to climb a particular mountain. He was confident in his own abilities, so he didn’t waste time doing any research or planning beforehand. On the day of the climb, he felt completely prepared, and when he reached halfway, he was elated.

As the climber neared the mountain’s summit, he thanked God for the opportunity and continued his climb. The sky began to turn dark, and clouds began to move in, but the confident climber continued relying on his own ability. In less than 30 minutes, the climber could not see anything, and the night was growing cold.

Without being able to see, the climber reached out over an outcropping ledge and slipped. He helplessly plunged into the dark, night air, falling at great speed. He was thinking about how close he was to death when he suddenly felt the rope tied to his waist catch him and abruptly end his plummet. As he limply dangled in the air, he fearfully cried out, "Help me God!"

Suddenly, a deep voice from the sky answered, "What do you want me to do?"

The climber replied, "Save me!"

God responded, "Will you do exactly as I tell you?"

The climber replied, "Of course!"

"Then trust in Me and cut the rope tied to your waist," God replied. "Free yourself, and you will be saved."

The rope was the only thing keeping the climber from falling. He began to cry and clutched the rope even tighter.

The next morning, a rescue team found the climber. He was dead and frozen, his hands still clutching the rope. The climber was hanging only three feet from the ground!

When asked if we are trustworthy, do we ever imagine someone free falling into our arms? Do we realize the tremendous responsibility we bear and the priceless trust being thrust upon us? I must wonder, if I call myself a trustworthy person, do others believe me not just by my words, but by my behavior?

Every day is a free fall. Are you trustworthy?