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| President Kiir shakes his vice's hand. |
Devotion Three, July 2025, 3rd
As leaders, we often struggle to build trust with our communities. Whether in the church, schools, or government institutions, trust is essential for effective leadership.
Let's consider the challenges of building trust. The culture of trust is something that every leader struggles with. A South Sudanese person will understand this well when it comes to building a culture of trust in the recent years of conflict. Many seminars and conferences were organised in vain to build a culture of trust among the warring parties. The President kept reshuffling his cabinet because he had lost trust in them and therefore wanted leaders whom he could trust.
So, how can we build trust? God’s Word calls on leaders to build a culture of trust. Like Jesus, a leader should exercise restraint in how they walk, work, and speak. (15:2-3). You can only build trust with people when you walk uprightly, work righteously, and speak truthfully. The Psalmist further emphasises that a leader can cultivate a culture of trust among their people if they bridle their tongue and esteem others above themselves. (15:4-5)
In summary, building a culture of trust requires
effort and dedication. As leaders, we must prioritise trust-building and seek
God's guidance and wisdom. By following the footsteps of Jesus Christ, we can build
trust with our community, church, or institution and foster open communication
and sharing of ideas and feedback without fear of judgment.
Meditation
1. Do
you see people puzzled and questioning how you lead them?
2. In
which area of your leadership have your constituents, church, or institution
lost trust, causing them to groan when you address them?
3. What are some ways you have seen God working in your leadership that you are thankful
for?
4. If
you met a friend whose leadership is no longer trusted, what advice would you
give them?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to build a culture of trust with the
people I lead. Give me wisdom and guidance as I seek to follow Your footsteps
and prioritise building a culture of trust in my leadership.
Amen.
