Assumptions.

Everyone of us act on the basis of certain assumptions. We have a particular belief system that might be the source of our motivation yet, we assume that our decision or action is the correct one.

Some of our assumptions are healthy. We can’t go through life doubting every action that we take. Of course, we know the old adage that goes with this; ann assumption might make us look like a fool. (A** … well, you know what that means, but if not, let’s talk.)

The role I serve is certainly based on me assuming certain things about other people. Recently, I attended the Global Leadership Summit where Craig Groeschel made a wonderful statement. He essentially said that trust is not earned, it is given. An attitude that communicates that trust is something that we can extend because of grace in the other. He said that the “best way to figure out if you can trust someone is to trust them!” He continues, “You are going to have to take a risk on someone.” 

I have enjoyed meeting those who I did not know prior. Sometimes I even walk into businesses and organizations to make introduction and offer them opportunities for us to partner together on behalf of the needs of young people in our community. I believe that our young people are worth the risk of rejection or of failure. I would not want to miss the opportunity just because I didn’t even try. 

Today’s focus helps us to remember that as Christians, trust is by default. We don’t learn to trust others based on their actions, but we can extend grace to another. If ever trust is violated, well, that’s another topic. Nonetheless, as we extend trust to others, it should reciprocate.

Whenever somebody has the attitude that they wait for someone to earn trust, we missed the point altogether about how invest to honor others. Love and grace are gifts which can be extended to others as we trust in them. A healthy team is a team that has trust as a value. 

We live in a society where  people no longer give trust. Our society is filled with cynical responses; whether it’s because of times that we live in or if we have been betrayed by someone. We may no longer trust what the news or others are telling us. It is natural for us to be skeptical with people we don’t know. Yet, too often it’s even found in the workplace with people that we do know. Trust is not easily given.

I have enjoyed reading several books on the topic of trust. One book that has become my favorite is written by Stephen M. R. Covey. (His father wrote the best seller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.)

In the book, The Speed of Trust, M. R. covey says, 

“We tend to get what we expect – both from ourselves and from others. When we expect more, we tend to get more; when we expect less, we tend to get less.”

What does this mean? I think it is saying that trust builds a culture of trust.

I recognize that no one wants to be in a situation where they are betrayed or made to feel like a fool. All of us keep our guard up in an attempt to protect ourselves, but in reality, we are simply creating a bigger space between relationships. How can we trust someone if we don’t extend trust?

Each of us are in organizations where we can influence the culture of those that we work with. Not only by doing the right thing, but embracing the values that make up the organization. And a Christian organization, without a doubt we can assume he said of values that we could embrace. 

But even for non-Christian organizations, the set of values that we embrace can indeed cultivate a trusting environment. Of course, most especially for Christians we can extend the grace necessary to build a healthy relationship in our team, coworkers, and even the organization.

My challenge today is for each of us to go through life with a desire, and with intention to extend trust in others. We may be surprised to find that the more we give the more we will also receive and return.

From there, we just simply get to know each other better to learn how we can best coordinate and cooperate to build a healthy relationship in our team as well as in our organizations.

I dare you to go ahead and make an assumption. It is worth the risk of looking like a fool but when you dare to risk you will find a great reward. It is one reward that may extend you a lifelong friendship. Sometimes a risk is only what we perceive it to be, but not what is reality.

Instead of protecting your heart, take a risk and remove the space between relationships, and you may actually find a partner, a friend, and someone willing to embrace your ideas. We may find the we hold to the values that you believe in, as well as find results that you would’ve not experienced otherwise.