Hard to Gain Trust at Work? Do These Two Things

Trust is the foundation of every relationship. Without trust, a relationship will become shaky, even fail. And this also applies to relationships in the workplace. 

As the owner of a small business, I have learned that gaining trust is a privilege. Not just anyone can receive it just like that. 

Therefore, maintaining trust is something you must fight for and preserve. If even once you prove untrustworthy, people usually immediately label you as someone who will forever be untrustworthy. And, of course, regaining the trust of those you have disappointed is not easy, even almost impossible.

So, how can you gain trust in the workplace according to God's Word?

Faithful in Small Things

Then his master said to him: Well done, my good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in carrying responsibility in small things, I will give you responsibility in great things. – Matthew 25:23  

When I was still working at another company, I did not yet have my own vehicle. Every day I took public transportation. So I calculated how long the trip would take, so that I could estimate what time I had to leave home for work. The goal was to avoid being late to the office.

On the other hand, many of my coworkers came in past the set office hours. Since our supervisor was in another city and only came for an inspection once a month, my coworkers felt unbothered by their lateness.

The Bible says that being faithful in small things means being faithful in great things as well. - As an employee, the trust given to you begins with small matters, including:

• Attendance Do you often arrive late at work? How many times are you absent from work in a month because not in the mood or lazy?
• Break Time When the business owner or your boss is not around, are you disciplined about break time? Some people feel they have no limits on their break time because there is no boss or business owner watching them. They keep enjoying gossip or watching movies, even though it is already time to get back to work. As a result, their work is delayed, deadlines are pushed back, and tasks are not finished on time.
• Working Hours Do you work only when your boss is in the room or when the business owner comes by? You busy yourself with work, but when they leave, you then relax, play games, or chat with coworkers. When it is time to send your report, you panic. Besides leaving many tasks unfinished, you also make many mistakes.

Remember, big things begin with small things. If you can be trusted in small things, then surely greater things will be entrusted to you.

Trust Is Gained by Being Upright in Small Things

And whoever is dishonest in very little is dishonest also in much. – Luke 16:10b 

How honest are you in your work? 

Are you:

• absent from work because you are lazy or tired, but say that you are sick?
• making mistakes, but not daring to be honest about them, instead covering them up with lie after lie?

• often making fake receipts for gas, parking, tire repairs, or vehicle servicing?
• frequently using company money without your boss's knowledge, or misusing it for personal interests?
• willing to admit your mistakes to your boss? For example, submitting the wrong price for a certain product, or being late or forgetting to send an urgent order. 

I agree with the principle of God's Word in the verse above. If in small things alone we do not act rightly, it is hard for us to be right in great things. The reason is that trust begins with things that seem trivial. Don't you yourself hold a similar principle toward your child, your boyfriend or girlfriend, or your spouse?

If your child often lies, or is given a curfew but comes home later, of course it will be hard for you to give more trust. When your boyfriend or girlfriend is dishonest or often hides many things from you, of course you become anxious. You easily suspect that you are being betrayed or lied to. - Well, the same is true in work. Be faithful in doing small tasks. Be upright in trivial matters. Naturally, you will be trusted. 

However, what if you have already been faithful and upright in small things, but still do not receive trust?

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand so that it gives light to everyone in the house. – Matthew 5:15

Like a lamp, even if you are covered up or hidden tightly, other people can still see the light you shine!

Even if you are never given trust by your boss, whether because you are considered not or less competent, do not lose heart! Keep doing your work with all your heart. 

Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men. – Colossians 3:23

As a believer, you must continue to be an example. Work as well as you can, not merely so that you will be trusted or quickly promoted, but for the Lord. That is what God desires from us!

If the business owner or your boss does not appreciate what you have already given, do not be quick to feel offended, hurt, or disappointed. Keep giving your best at work and let God give the reward.

Keep your spirits up, you can do it! - Related Articles:

• Timeless Spiritual Lessons from the Story of the Walls of Jericho
• Never Stop Praying
• Depression: Recognize the Dangers and How to Overcome It
• Not in the Mood to Work? Here Is the Solution
• Lead Successfully with 5 Valuable Lessons from Joshua