Good Leadership? It All Starts with Trust – “One of a leader’s most critical responsibilities is fostering an environment of trust. That’s because workplaces run on trust.” Harvard Business Publishing

Leadership Essentials: Building Trust – “Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Some people are inclined to trust in people and things more easily than others, but usually trust needs to be earned and, once lost, is difficult to win back.” – The Institute of Leadership and Management

The world gets very excited about us trusting leaders. I didn’t have to look very far to find a quotes like the ones above. But what does the Bible say?

In the 170 verses that mention trust in the NIV, it’s hard to find one that says to trust in people, but it’s very clear on not trusting in people….

• Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. – Psalm 146:3

• Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? – Isaiah 2:22

• This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:5

If building trust in leaders is not the goal, then what is the goal? The Bible says to submit, to obey….

• Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. – Romans 13:1

• Obey your leaders and submit to their authority – Hebrews 13:17

• Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority – 1 Peter 2:13

Why is this good news? Wouldn’t I rather submit to someone I can put my trust in? The good news is that our trust is in Jesus, the King of kings, the Leader of leaders, the Boss of my boss. And he loves me.

• But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. – Psalm 13:5

• It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. – Psalm 118:9

• So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6

As we trust in God, we are free to joyfully submit to human authority.