TRUST NEEDS TO BE EARNED

The need to be trusted is understandable in social relationships. However, trust should not be demanded from others—as we often say, “trust me.” Instead, trust must be built through a personal process of positive change: from character, the formation of good conduct, renewed ways of thinking, attitudes in responding to situations, and the development of strong competence.

The Bible describes some dark and difficult times in Joseph’s life. But it also reveals that every time he face adversity , he used it to develope himself personally and build trust with others. As a result, Joseph made one comeback after another and proved himself trustworthy as a leader. 

Consider a few of the ways he earned trust along the way: 

Adversity	Comeback
Sold into Egyptian slavery	Developed competence and organization in the palace
Framed as an adulterer	Used his ability to discern dreams and solve problems
Forgotten in prison	Displayed the wisdom to interpret Pharaph/s dream
Endured 7 years of famine	Prepared to save the country and bring Pharaoh great wealth
Faced the return of his treacherous brothers	Showed patience and integrity in dealing with others

The law of solid ground teaches that leadership operates on the basis of trust. How did Josheph gain trust folllowing his bouts with adversity? He won it through regularly displaying competence and character in his connections with others. He was able to follow each setback with a comeback because he practiced the law of Solid Ground