Trust

A son asked his mom to help him show a car that he was selling.  He was not available and wanted his mom to be at his house to let the person see the car and stick to the price he offered. His mom agreed and was at her son’s house when the potential buyer arrived. After looking over the car, the buyer asked to take it for a test drive and the mom said “sure.” What happened next?  The potential buyer took the car and never returned—but, without paying. Frustrated and mad, the son told his mom “You are too trusting; you should have gone with him for the test drive.”

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something. Steve Covey, author of 7 habits of Highly Effective People explained “Trust is the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It is the principle that holds everything together.”

As officials, trust truly is the glue that holds the crew together. Once trust is lost, crews struggle with communication, learning, and openness. Lack of trust leads to selfishness and an attitude that the only person that can be trusted is myself.  But, officials who trust seek others’ advice and opinions, have open lines of communication, and encourage others to share.  How is trust lost in officiating? A few examples are (1) not arriving on time (or early) for meetings and departing for stadium, (2) giving an inaccurate description of a foul to a coach or grader, or (3) not providing information to other officials that is needed.

What ways do you think causes trust to be lost in officiating?

Considering how trust is lost, let’s look at a few ways to build and maintain trust:

1)      Choose to trust

2)      Speak truth

3)      Be responsible and reliable

4)      Serve others

5)      Be forgiving

Proverbs 20:6 in the Old Testament says, “Many people declare themselves loyal; but who can find someone who is really trustworthy?”

Solomon, known in the Bible as the wisest man who ever lived, expressed in the first part of the verse that "talk is cheap." People “declare” themselves loyal with their talk. But, when the going gets tough, who are the “trustworthy” ones? The question presented by Solomon really refers to the person whose loyalty lives up to their "big talk." 

God’s desire is for us to trust in Him and to express and show that trust to others around us.  Sure, situations can occur that cause us to lose trust.  But, those situations should be the exception, not the norm.

Among the most essential qualities of the human spirit are to trust oneself and build trust with others.”   Mahatma Gandhi

Credit: https://hope1032.com.au/stories/faith/2023/can-i-trust-you-too-much-morning-devotions/ by Cris Witts