Trustworthy People Are Happy People

In Proverbs 25:13 I read, “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” (The Message)

If I want to be happy, become a person who people can trust.

Paul used Timothy as an example of someone who was reliable, consistent, and dependable: “You know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel” (Philippians 2:22 NIV). 

Paul had seen Timothy in action, in all kinds of circumstances, and he considered him genuine and trustworthy. Timothy had proved to Paul that he was someone who could be counted on.

Do people know what kind of person I really am? Have I been proved trustworthy like Timothy?

Any time I go to a bank for a loan, they’ll do a credit check. They want to know if I’m worthy of being trusted with credit. Do I pay my bills on time? Do I have a track record of keeping my word? Can I be depended on to pay the money back? Am I creditable?

The thing is, everyone around me is doing a credit check on my life, every moment of my life. They want to know if I am who I say I am. Am I showing my true colors? Can I be trusted?

When I prove that I am a trustworthy person, I’ll be a happier person. People will know I’m reliable, and, as a result, my relationships will be stronger.

How do I develop a reputation of trustworthiness?

First, I live with integrity. Integrity doesn’t mean I’m perfect. It means that what people see is what people get. I am the real deal—because my actions match my words.

Proverbs 25:13 says, “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” (The Message).

Second, I keep my promises. Even if I find out it’s going to cost me more than I thought it was going to cost, I still keep my word.

Psalm 15:4 says, “They always do what they promise, no matter how much it may cost” (GNT).

Learning to live with integrity and keeping my promises will show others that I can be trusted and this will in turn make me a much happier person.

In summary, to be happy, become a person who people can trust. Paul used Timothy as an example of someone who was reliable, consistent, and dependable: Paul had seen Timothy in action, he considered him genuine and trustworthy. Timothy had proved to Paul that he was someone who could be counted on. Do people know what kind of person I really am? Have I been proved trustworthy like Timothy? Everyone around me is doing a credit check on my life. They want to know if I am who I say I am. Am I showing my true colors? Can I be trusted? When I prove that I am a trustworthy person, I’ll be happier. How do I develop a reputation of trustworthiness? First, I live with integrity. It means that what people see is what people get. My actions match my words. Second, I keep my promises. Even if I find out it’s going to cost me more than I thought. Learning to live with integrity and keeping my promises will show others that I can be trusted.

It is often difficult to find people you can really trust. A faithful messenger is punctual, responsible, honest, and hardworking. Such people are invaluable as they help take some of the pressure off their employer. Find out what my employer needs from me to make his or her job easier and do it.