Can False Impressions of Self Be Overcome?

It’s not unthinkable to speculate that each person has deliberately given a false impression about a specific aspect of their life. The purpose of false impressions is to influence others to see something other than your true self.

Mary Ann Evans, writing under the pseudonym of George Elliot, observed that “Life is too precious to spend in weaving and unweaving false impressions.” False impressions are designed to influence what others think and believe.

Self-centeredness drives false impressions, but future accountability cannot be disregarded. Ephesians 5:5 states that “no immoral person will have an inheritance in the kingdom of God.”

The first step in turning away from false impressions is to permit the purifying light of Jesus Christ to cleanse the core of your soul. When tempted to fall back into sin, immediately correct yourself. The power of God in Christ Jesus will help you repent and be forgiven.                        

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Love [for Christ Jesus] should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ become strong because of [His] love.  

~Ephesians 4:15-16 Contemporary English Version  

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How Valuable Is Trust to Relationships?

What purpose does genuine trust serve in relationships and every area of life? Trust is the foundation on which governments, societies, work and family life are anchored. Trust is the navigational system that guides us through daily activities.

Think how we trust public agencies to provide electricity and safe water. False trust believes these will never fail. Proverbs 25:14 describes those who deceive as being like clouds that promise needed rain but are empty of moisture.

What purpose does portraying yourself falsely accomplish? Enticing others with false trust may produce momentary gain but predictably end in sorrow. Accountability that’s anchored in trust for God welcomes without hesitation Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, to thoroughly search the heart for falsehood. Peace comes to opening your life to that light.          

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When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise. In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  

~Psalm 56:3-4 New American Standard Bible  

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How Powerful Is False Trust?

Have you noticed that in most popular music trust or mistrust is usually the topic? False trust can be the main focus. Perhaps the reason for the popularity of this issue is the human need to be loved and trusted.

False trust has the capability to convince the unsuspecting that love and acceptance exist when in reality, they don’t. Satan used his talent to convince Adam and Eve that he was trustworthy and what he had to say was pure truth.

False trust is powerful and convincing when combined with promises of accountability. Genesis 4 describes how Cain lured his brother Abel to an isolated place and murdered him. Cain made use of false trust for selfish purposes. God never intended for false trust to invade human relationships, but rather for truth and honesty to dominate.           

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Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling you the truth? 

~Proverbs 20:6 The Living Bible   

We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 

~2 Corinthians 4:2 New International Version 

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How Is Trust Affected By Accountability?

Have you ever trusted someone only to discover they were totally unworthy of your trust? 

Everyone eventually gets blindsided for being somewhat naive. Failure to pay attention to God’s warning signs gives evidence of false trust.

When a relationship or situation proves painful, what was believed to be trustworthy was based on unrealistic beliefs and the unwillingness to face the truth. Failure to heed warning signs is a failure to be accountable to what God provides.

Accountability depends on confidence that God’s presence will provide strength to overcome whatever must be faced. False trust believes a particular situation is safe regardless of contrary evidence. Accountability is attached to faith that assures you God’s unfailing love is trustworthy for fighting the good fight that must be faced in life.

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Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ~1 Corinthians 4:2 New International Version  

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What Makes False Trust Believable?

God created human beings with an innate ability to trust, otherwise he would not have commanded people to trust him. Do you realize what a blessing it is to have confidence that God is able to "supply all your needs according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus"?

False trust believes God will supply everything you want, no matter how out of bounds it is. False trust believes that something exists when there is no basis for its existence. False trust believes someone cares for you when evidence proves it isn’t true.

False trust attempts to make something believable when it’s a sham. False trust believes when you’re married, you will be completely happy and children will fulfill all your needs to be loved and respected. Healthy trust derives from making the Lord Jesus Christ your stronghold, an anchor that holds you firm through the storms of life. Healthy trust remains assured of God’s love.                 

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Blessed is the [person] who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like the tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water, a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by the long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing its luscious fruit. ~Jeremiah 17:7-8 The Living Bible  

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What Makes a Person Worthy of Our Trust?

Has God made it possible to measure or define trust in different situations? Common sense testifies that trust has many variables. When considering the emotional and intellectual components of a situation, the worthiness of trust can be evaluated. 

Are we accountable to those who think they are worthy of our trust? We’re accustomed to believing others should be accountable to us when we extend the gift of trust to them. Accountability is confirmed when we stand by our word.

Human beings need and want to trust in relationships, political systems, and God. Job 8:14-19 reminds us of the reality of false trust, which is like shallow soil that starves the plants. Sadly, each person has experienced false trust. However, when compared to faith and trust anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ, His promises are dependable, solid, and trustworthy.

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Give yourself to the Lord, trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. Be patient and wait for the Lord to act. 

~Psalm 37:5-7 Good News Bible 

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Is Accountability Dependent on Trust?

How would you define trust? Trust is obviously conditional and dependent on personal choices and behavior. Trust is bound up with what a person believes to be true about an individual or situation. Trust includes being committed and devoted indefinitely.

Trust can be fragile and easily broken through careless decisions that disregard personal commitment and loyalty. Trust is reliant on that which is beyond oneself. How often have you been encouraged to trust when the pathway appeared unpredictable?

How is accountability dependent on trust? In Jesus’ Parable of the Pearl of Great Value, the merchant refused to hesitate in purchasing the treasure he’d found. He trusted in the pearl’s quality and beauty and acted before the opportunity passed. Trust includes confidence that cannot be dominated by doubt. Trust includes belief in God’s unfailing love and care, his provision and protection.

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My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter. 

~Psalm 62:7 Good News Bible 

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