Topical Encyclopedia
TrustTrust, in the biblical context, is a profound reliance on God and His promises. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the believer's confidence in God's character, His faithfulness, and His sovereign plan. Trust is not merely an intellectual assent but a wholehearted commitment to God, often demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness.
The Psalms frequently highlight the importance of trust in God.
Psalm 37:5 encourages believers to "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it." This verse underscores the assurance that comes from entrusting one's life to God, who is both willing and able to act on behalf of His people.
Proverbs 3:5-6 further instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes the necessity of relying on God's wisdom rather than human understanding, promising divine guidance for those who trust Him fully.
The New Testament also speaks to the theme of trust, particularly in the context of faith in Jesus Christ. In
John 14:1 , Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me." Here, trust is linked to belief in Christ as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.
IntegrityIntegrity, as presented in the Bible, refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is the consistency of character that aligns with God's standards, reflecting truthfulness, righteousness, and uprightness in all aspects of life.
The book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtue of integrity.
Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the guiding power of integrity, contrasting it with the destructive nature of deceit.
Job is often cited as a paragon of integrity. Despite severe trials, Job maintains his integrity, refusing to curse God. In
Job 27:5 , he declares, "I will never say that you are right; I will maintain my integrity until I die." Job's steadfastness serves as a powerful example of unwavering commitment to righteousness.
In the New Testament, integrity is closely associated with living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. In
2 Corinthians 8:21 , Paul writes, "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining integrity both before God and in the sight of others.
The life of Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect integrity. He consistently lived in accordance with God's will, demonstrating truth and righteousness in every action. Believers are called to emulate Christ's example, striving to live lives marked by integrity as a testament to their faith.
In summary, trust and integrity are foundational principles in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture. Trust involves a complete reliance on God, while integrity reflects a life lived in accordance with His truth. Together, they form the bedrock of a faithful and righteous walk with the Lord.
