Have you ever tried to minister to someone who has lost trust in God because they're disillusioned by the unfaithfulness of other Christians? It's hard for people to trust again once their initial trust is violated. Thus Scripture says: "the first requirement of an administrator is that he prove trustworthy" (1 Cor 4:2).

The Lord has "entrusted" us (Mt 25:22) with great responsibilities (see Mt 25:21, RNAB). We disciples of Christ have the responsibility to "make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19), feed the hungry (Mt 25:42), set captives free (Lk 4:18), overturn injustices such as abortion, racism, and physical and spiritual starvation (Jn 21:15). By our holy lives we are to set such a public example that we could be a light to the world (Mt 5:14-16).

We disciples imitate Jesus, Who is trustworthy (1 Thes 5:24). When we trust completely in God, our trusting and trustworthy lifestyle is obvious to others, and they are more likely to trust us. If we don't trust completely in God in a radical way, then why should we expect others to trust us when we minister to them? If we don't trust God in how many children we have, in our finances, in our sexuality, and in our lifestyle, then why should we be surprised when others find it difficult to trust us?

Many fail to believe in our Master because we, His disciples, don't reflect His trustworthiness. Repent! "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (Prv 3:5) or be ranked "among those undeserving of trust" (Lk 12:46).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 3, 2009

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