The Benefits of Being Trustworthy

Examine the accompanying chart, based on the Bible’s standards. How trustworthy do you consider yourself to be? Do you feel that the standards are too high? True, it takes effort to be trustworthy, because imperfect humans are subject to making mistakes. Yet, striving to meet these standards can be most beneficial and can bring real happiness.

Who does not value a trustworthy friend? In the company of such an individual there is a feeling of security, along with confidence that personal matters will not become public knowledge. Trustworthy people can be relied upon because they are true to their word. Faithful in even small things, they take their commitments seriously and honor their marriage vows and business contracts.​—Luke 16:10; Hebrews 13:4.

In a world of growing unemployment, a trustworthy person is more likely to hold down a job because of his value to his employer. Negligence and wastefulness cause much loss to companies and organizations. Often employees are entrusted with expensive equipment or machinery. Proving worthy of this trust, operating and maintaining such equipment according to instructions, means savings to the employer. Money is also saved when employees do an honest day’s work, not wasting time for which a salary is being paid. Such trustworthy workers are sought after and highly prized.

A trustworthy parent also stands a better chance of success in rearing children than do others. “If you brag about how you came out ahead by lying to a customer or walk home from the office with your arms full of pencils, pens, stationery and practically everything that is not nailed down, don’t be too surprised if your child follows your example. Don’t forget, you are his model, and he is flattering you by imitating you,” says the book Hold Them Very Close, Then Let Them Go; How to Be an Authentic Parent. Yes, instruction that is backed up by a trustworthy parental example is easier for a child to follow.

Best of all, trustworthiness results in a clean conscience, which goes along with peace of mind and self-respect. Christians who display this fine quality put themselves in line for even greater privileges and blessings in the Christian congregation.​—Exodus 18:21; 1 Timothy 3:1, 2, 8-10.

At the time of Saul’s conversion the glorified Jesus said: “This man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) As a one-time persecutor of Jesus’ followers, Paul felt unworthy of being entrusted with this special assignment. But with deep appreciation he fulfilled it, proving himself completely trustworthy and unswervingly loyal to his wonderful Master and heavenly Friend.​—1 Corinthians 15:9, 10; Ephesians 3:8; 2 Timothy 4:7.

Trustworthiness Highly Prized

The aforementioned missionary, in replying to the African man, explained that upwards of 28,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in that country of Zaire had gladly committed themselves to a life of trustworthiness. As is the case with 57,000 fellow Witnesses in neighboring Zambia, this has not hindered their ‘survival.’ To the contrary, it has worked to their good. Note, for instance, this report in the Times of Zambia:

“The Zambia Trade Fair management engages members of the Watchtower sect to man the gates​—because of their honesty. . . . Other organizations had apparently been tried in the past but most of them had displayed a singular disregard for honesty, which had forced the management to settle for the sect members.”

And farther south, in Mdantsane, one of South Africa’s black townships, the mayor, Mr. Mphepha, said: “Over a period of six years, I have never heard of a single case of Witnesses failing to pay the rent, fighting with their wives, or applying for a divorce. It is for this reason that I have a high regard for them.” Yes, trustworthy people are prized.

Trustworthiness is a quality that people admire. In the days of the Persian Empire, when Governor Nehemiah had to leave Jerusalem, Hananiah was one who was left in command. Why? The record says: “He was such a trustworthy man.”​—Nehemiah 7:2.

More importantly, trustworthiness is required by the God of truth, Jehovah. Of him the psalmist was moved to say: “Your own reminders have proved very trustworthy.” (Psalm 93:5) You can experience this too. These ‘trustworthy reminders’ are found in God’s Word, the Bible. By seeking to follow them, you can enjoy many blessings both now and forevermore.​—John 17:3.

Trustworthiness Brings Rewards

A chemist (pharmacist) in South Africa heard that Jehovah’s Witnesses were building a new printing complex in that country. He said to a Witness employee: “I know that your church is putting up a new building at Roodekrans and I know that you would like to contribute toward it. There are some lines in my store that I want you to sell and I am willing to give you R1 [92c, U.S.] commission on each item.” She agreed and in time was presented with R634. The chemist, who intends to continue this arrangement, later explained to an inquirer: “I have so much respect for this woman because of her hardworking example and trustworthiness. It is impossible for me to express my appreciation for her service in words, so I thought this would be a better way.”