By Brother Michel Lankford

Is Being Untrustworthy a Sin?

By Brother Michel Lankford

Hello, I am brother Michel Lankford. Our podcast is called Discipleship Answers. This is a podcast where I answer questions that I have received as it pertains to how to walk as a disciple, and how to make disciples of YHWH Almighty God, and of Messiah Jesus Christ. After more than 30 years in discipleship ministry, I have received many questions from up-and-coming disciples by popular request I am answering your questions in a podcast, so that you can study on the go. “Discipleship Answers,” generally publishes new episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays around 3 PM Central standard Time. So do check back often. I bid you welcome.

Today’s Question:

“Is Being Untrustworthy a Sin?”

The Question Came from: Roy.

Neighbor, on the one hand I want to thank you for your question.  On the other hand, I want to ask you to structure sell a little bit.  “Are you lazy, Roy?  You obviously have access to a computer, and to the Internet.  Did you do any searching on your, before posting this question in a public forum, or is the problem that you are looking for an answer that is going to satisfy your personal preferences and desires, so you will continue posting this question on forums, until somebody gives you the answer that suits you?  Honestly, this one should be a no brainer.  Nevertheless, I will answer it, just in case there are people out there and truly do not know.

Yes, Being Untrustworthy is a Sin.

I am truly shocked that people do not know this as a general rule, but yes, being untrustworthy is a sin, for certain.  Why that is not obvious, I cannot fathom, but here it is laid out for you. It is the sin called unfaithfulness. It causes one of the biggest fruits of sin, which is violating relationship with God, and or damaging relationships with other people. It is the biggest example of having the OPPOSITE Character than what the Almighty God has, because He is infinitely faithful and reliable.

The Short Overview

• Being trustworthy is the chief characteristic of God did
• Scripture clearly instructs us to learn and to imitate God’s Character. That would include learning to be trustworthy like God is.
• If you do not practice being trustworthy, you are violating God’s Word, which is what it means to sin, by any reliable definition.
• Sin is ANY Violation of God’s Laws, Commandments, and Instructions. Any Violation of His Commandments, His Words, His Desires, or His Stated Intentions is a Sin, by Biblical definition. (1 John 3:4 KJV; cf. Romans 7:7; Hosea 8:1; Daniel 9:11; Isaiah 5:20-24)

As it is Written: “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4 KJV; cf. Romans 7:7; Hosea 8:1; Daniel 9:11; Isaiah 5:20-24).

Being Trustworthy is one of Almighty God’s Key Characteristics

As It Is Written: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, (Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV)

As It Is Written: ““The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV)

As It Is Written: “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. (Psalm 33:4 ESV)

As It Is Written: “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)

Scripture Clearly Instructs Us to Imitate God’s Character

As It Is Written: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.(Ephesians 5:1 ESV)

As It Is Written: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy. ”(1 Peter 1:14–16 ESV)

There is no way that you can be practicing obeying Ephesians 5:1, or be obeying 1 Peter 1:14-16; unless you practice being trustworthy, as part of learning to obey that; because that is a chief characteristic of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God, (2 Timothy 3:14-17). That means that disobeying Scripture is disobeying God, and disobeying God is what it means to sin, by clear definition.

Being Trustworthy is a Salvation Issue

Not being trustworthy, faithful, and reliable can keep you out of heaven. being an untrustworthy person could cause you to go to hell:

As It Is Written: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8 NKJV)

The word “Unbelieving” in that verse is often equally translated and as, being unfaithful, unreliable or not being trustworthy. In God’s economy, not being trustworthy or being unreliable is equal to not really believing God.

It is also interesting to note that Scripture tells us that being a trustworthy and reliable person is one of the characteristics that are required in order for us to live in God’s household, (See Psalm 15:1–5).

Notice Psalm 15:4.

As It Is Written: “In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (Psalm 15:4 NKJV)

Notice that part of being a Heavenly Kingdom citizen (living in God’s Household) is that we are so reliable and trustworthy to keep our word, that we keep our word even when it is not to our personal advantage. That cannot be a coincidence. That is why we need to be extraordinarily cautious about promising anything.

I do hope that answers your question. Thank you so much for your coming consideration and attention. Shalom.

Brother Michel Lankford