Who do you know who is trustworthy and true? Is this something people say about you? 

This verse does not say, “Everything Samuel said seemed reliable.”

This verse does not say, “Everything Samuel said was mostly reliable.”

What does it say?

A well-known and highly regarded professor, author, and podcast host wrote a lengthy, really lengthy, article in a national publication. The subject matter was disturbing. The participation of this icon of intellect in this disturbing matter closed the book on his welcome to speak into my life. I will not read his books. I will not listen to his podcast. I will not allow him to shape my thinking. 

You have likely closed the door to certain influential people for similar reasons. 

Who are among those few you always listen to and always trust? 

Samuel was trustworthy and true. He did not merely seem reliable, he was reliable.  He was probably not the kind of guy you wanted to hang around if you lived an undisciplined life. He was probably not good company if you indulged in gossip or conspiracy theories. It would be fun, however, to have him visit our age for a few days. 

Now and again, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas makes a public statement. The name of this entity tells us they want to be taken seriously. How seriously you take them probably depends on how long you are out of electricity during a winter storm. 

How seriously should people take you and me? 

Here’s an opportunity for us to distinguish ourselves from the crowd. Become trustworthy and true. Speak the truth in love about all things. Do it all the time. If you don’t know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, take a lock. In other words, if you don’t know, don’t talk. There are worse things than remaining silent when everyone else is chattering away. 

My coworker Becky and our friend and local church staff member Elliott and I are traveling to meet new friends today. We will work with these leaders over the next two years in a series of retreats and Zoom cohort meetings. Our effectiveness in serving these leaders will depend on whether we are trustworthy and true. If you have a little extra prayer time today, please include this request alongside your own. 

The old song says this old world needs love, sweet love. It also needs trustworthy and true people like you for God to love this world through. 

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I will speak the truth in love.

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Our Father, make us trustworthy and true. Make us more like you. Amen.