Sacred Trust

Within each of our lives, we are given various responsibilities. Regardless of the type or size, we are entrusted with their upkeep, maintenance, and growth. If you were the oldest child, you may have been given responsibilities to watch over your younger siblings. If you are the manager of a specific office or section, you are given responsibility over those that work under you. If you are a parent, you have the responsibility to build and grow your children while tending to their specific needs. If you are a husband or wife, you have responsibilities to the other.

Too often when we consider the concept of responsibilities, we often think of the CEO of a company or some high and lofty position. However, at almost every level our relationships and work, we are given some commitment of responsibility. Each person can be given multiple levels of responsibility within every area of their lives (i.e. home, work, church, community) and these responsibilities can be considered as a sacred trust.

A sacred trust causes people to revere, uphold, and maintain the responsibility placed upon them regardless of the people involved or task while ensure the proper boundaries in each situation are intact and the highest level of integrity and excellence are sustained.

Think about the responsibilities you have as a parent, worker and co-worker, church leader/member, and community citizen. Have you upheld or broken the bonds of sacred trust?

If you have broken a sacred trust, in what ways can you rebuild the bond of trust?

Matthew 5:23-24 – Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

In the process of reconciling with those hurt and offended, begin with prayer and repentance. Ask God to help heal the hearts and minds of those involved so that forgiveness and growth can begin anew. Many times the people hurt spend decades harboring feelings of brokenness and unforgiveness due to a broken trust. The process of reconciliation may come with some ‘bumps’ along the way – especially in today’s society, but please remember that you cannot force someone to forgive you. Do all you can according to God’s Word and godly guidance (via Holy Spirit and others) to seek reconciliation.

If you are the one that has been hurt, how can you begin the healing and restoration of your soul?

Experiencing the ill effects of a sacred trust is never easy and not to be taken lightly. The reminder of any pain or injustice can cover the heart like a cement foundation. Though you may feel justified in the wrongdoing committed against you, holding onto unforgiveness can have a negative impact on your life as well:

Matthew 18:21-35 – Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

The pain experienced through a broken relationship of trust (on any level) is not a reason why you can never forgive or make other people pay for someone else’s mistake or sin. As you have read, there are implications for unforgiveness as well (Matthew 6:14-15). Find outlets through prayer, pastoral counseling, and support groups. Set your desire on being whole mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Maintain your sacred levels of trust. Take your responsibilities seriously and use your position as a positive witness and light upon the world. Forgive those that have wronged you and seek restoration in your life.

^{Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/nem_youth}