Being Trusted Requires Trustworthiness

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”

― GEORGE MACDONALD (1824–1905)

There’s no good whining for a lack of trust,
When gossip’s our track record,
Keeping confidences: that’s one thing we must,
If we’re to be respected as a person of one accord.

***

Is there a higher glory than to be trusted? The trust-worthy – the person worthy of being trusted – is somewhat rare in this world, where all information seems to have its price as a commodity of influence and standing. But the trustworthy person will serve kings and queens and heads-of-state, not simply dodgy bosses (Proverbs 22:29).

As we find ourselves reliably informed and a worthy vessel for containing ‘choice morsels’, we are granted further blessings of confidence. It’s no coincidence that guarding precious information is ‘keeping a confidence’ – where we are regarded as trustworthy, people have confidence in us. We are safe people. And safe people are those we all like to be around.

Becoming and Being a Safe Person

A trustworthy person is a safe person to be around. They are admired for the priceless possession they offer free to all – safe refuge from the snares of precious information out on the open market of gossip, hearsay and rumour.

It is never too late to become a person who can be trusted.

But first of all we must understand why it is we cannot hold these confidences; we need to know why we betray confidences in the first place. We are prepared to cash-in by compromise, because we are needy somehow.

Becoming trustworthy is about holding the confidence, because we are safe within ourselves – we don’t need extra kudos or influence or special praise. We have faith that something better is around the corner for having been found faithful. We also recognise the privilege involved in being counted on. We put ourselves in the other person’s shoes.

Being a safe person means people can come to us and enjoy us. Likewise, we are blessed because they are blessed. God blesses us for having been a blessing; for having served diligently, faithfully, unswervingly.

***

Being a worthy vessel for containing ‘choice morsels’ we are granted further blessings of confidence. It’s a beautiful feeling that we can be relied upon; that others can call upon us as if we are home. Being a safe person may be one of the highest privileges in being a member of humankind.

© 2013 S. J. Wickham.