By:                 Bro. Sunny Ogumor

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We may not find the word “dependability” in the bible but the discussion will give us an insight into what it means to be known for dependability. It is a word that describes how God is caring for us and how we too can stand for each other and serve God with matured mind. It takes a matured mind to maintain dependability, to be an example to others, to impart on those around.

Dependability is the quality of being able to be counted on, to be trusted. The quality to be trusted to act in the way required or expected. People that are reliable are dependable. They do what they said they would do and they can be trusted for that. It is a valuable character indication that also reflects a person’s trustworthiness, honesty, and responsibility. “Honesty, they say is the best Policy”

The opposite of dependability is unreliability. Dependability and Reliability cut across our daily life and activities. Every reasonable person will want to do business with a reliable person, a person you can depend on to deliver good result and on time too. “Normal life”.

Children depends on their parents or matured person for their safety.

Today we will focus on “What the Bible says about dependability”

We all depends on God and Jesu Christ our mediator, John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 16:23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

2 Samuel 22:4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, So, shall I be saved from my enemies. Samuel knew that God is dependable so he calls on Him to be saved from his enemies. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. Jesus laid down his life for us because He loves us, not because we deserve it but by His grace, we got it.

It takes a spiritually matured person to remain dependable, he’s been called upon in time of need. A matured Christian is someone who is a model in Christianity, a pacesetter, one who influences others in positive ways according to biblical standards. He develops life habits consistent with values such as: love, compassion, humility, understands others feeling, selfless giving, having self-respect. Such knows that their word means everything.

They avoid all things that promote negative values. What are negative values? Galatians 5:19-21 called them works of the flesh. Those who practice such things have no inheritance in the Kingdom of God, and such a person cannot be dependable.  A dependable person is patient, kind, and not envious, not boastful, not proud, one who honors others and not seek selfish gain. Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Anger would not apply easily nor would he be the one who dig up old things that spoil the mind. Such will not find any pleasure in evil but would delight in the truth. They would protect, trust and have hope for everyone, especially those in the household of faith. Titus 1:8, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined; that is maturity. Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Boaz a model of dependability. When Ruth asks Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer, he agrees to take on that responsibility, if he is legally able to: “As surely as the Lord lives I will do it” (Ruth 3:13). Therefore, Boaz became a dependable ally to Ruth (and Noami). Boaz’s reputation was one of dependability. He would do what he said he would do. His conduct deserves an award. Boaz obeyed the law God gave in Deuteronomy. He didn’t grab what wasn’t his, he didn’t play a fast one. Instead, he openly respected the law and his relative. And he won the bride. Deuteronomy 25:5–10 (NIV)If two brothers are living together on the same property and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Instead, her husband’s brother must marry her and fulfill the duties of a brother-in-law.

And Boaz kept to his word “As surely as the Lord lives I will do it”

Dependable people always keep their vows, even at personal cost. It is a law from God. (Numbers 30:2) When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to commit himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. They respect the adage which says “My word is my bond.” Meaning I will do what I said.

Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. (ESV)

Psalms 50:14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High then call upon Him in the day of trouble; He will deliver you, and you will glorify Him. You don’t need to swear for people to believe. James said your simple yes or no is a testimony of your dependability. James 5:12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear —not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (NIV).

Many friendships have been ruined over a misunderstanding that started with gossip. Dependable people don’t lie. Therefore, a gossiper cannot be dependable. Those who engage in this behavior do nothing but stir up trouble and cause anger, bitterness, and pain among friends. Sadly, some people specialize on this and they look for opportunities to destroy others. And when such people are confronted, they deny the allegations and answer with excuses and defenses. Rather than admit wrongdoing, they blame someone else or attempt to minimize the seriousness of the sin. Gossipers often have the aim of building themselves up by making others look bad.

Gossipers speak of the faults and failure of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. How can this person be dependable? In the book of Romans, Paul reveals the sinful nature and lawlessness of mankind, stating how God poured out His wrath on those who rejected His laws. Because they had turned away from God’s instruction and guidance, He gave them over to their sinful natures. The list of sins includes gossips, slanderers and backbiters (ESV) Romans 1:29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips. Romans 1:30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, Romans 1:31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Romans 1:32 Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

In the work environment:

A dependable employee not only shows up for work on time every day but also produces consistent work and can apply company policies and business strategies equally to each task and assignment. Comes early and does jobs well as the employer wants every day. He or she makes commitments, delivers on time and follow-up on what has been done. This is what we called dedicated to duty. An employer will not sack this type of employee, but to keep and encourage him or her on regular bases.

Did someone help you to start a business? Did you borrow money from cooperative to trade? How did you managed it, do you want to go back and borrow more? You must show evidence that you are trustworthy and reliable. When the master returned from his journey he said to the faithful servants “Well done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:21). These are dependable servants, they put to useful use what was kept under their care and they received commendations and rewards. When Christ will come what will be our reward. Excuses perhaps.

Some Characters associated with dependability:

1. Diligence, Vigilant, always watchful, having conscience doing his work. It is well for us that our salvation is in the hand of One who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Lead us not into temptation, we should be much afraid of entering into temptation. To be secured from this, we should watch and pray for yourself and others and continually look unto the Lord to hold us up that we may be safe. Matthew 26:40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
2. Accountability: he gives account of whatsoever is entrusted to him. Matt 25:20 John 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
3. Usefulness: Always useful to God (2 Tim 2:20-22), your household (1 Tim 5:8 1), the church. (Rom 12:13), and the society in general Gal 6:10
4. Confidence, Fearless, not easily intimidated. (Joshua & Caleb) Num 13:31,14:4-7.
5. Truthfulness; A man of his own words, always stand by the truth. Does not bear false witness nor give false testimonies. Honors agreements at all time. Prov 16:13, Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. 2Kg 6:5
6. Trustworthiness; faithful and loyal, keeps secret, does not betray. But Judas is a betrayer. John 18:2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. Paul trusted Titus and left him in Crete to continue from where he stopped. Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set-in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
7. Responsibility; authority to act and be accountable, shows commitment for all especially under their jurisdiction. Isaiah 6:8 Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?
8. Honesty; truthful, upright, fair, just. 2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

What to do to build up this character

1. How do I exhibit Dependability in my daily life? Pray to God asking Him to show you areas in your life where you have not been dependable. Do what you say you will do. If you make a commitment, live up to it. Be organized, be accountable, follow up, and be consistent. Do right at all times, in all situations, do what you know is right, and leave the results with God. Daniel did right by defying the king and praying to the Lord (Daniel 6). David did right by standing up to Goliath (1 Samuel 17). In each case, their dependence on God alone was rewarded.
2. What can I do to develop a better attitude of being Dependable? Sturdy to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed but rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
3. What blocks me from being dependable? Sin is a reproach, love of the world is impediment.
4. How can I make Dependability function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainty and stress? To obey is better than sacrifice, Christ an example the followers should emulate. Christ is dependable His genuine follower should also be dependable. “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”—1 John 2:5“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”—John 15:13 Jesus laid down His life for us, because He loved us, not because we deserved it. This is a picture of how He wants us to show love to each other. By this, the world will know that we belong to Him. When we love God, He teaches us how to love others as He loves, by being dependable and faithful.

Conclusion:

Dependable person is being constantly reliable and trustworthy. It will allow us to continue in our commitments even if it means personal sacrifice. This will allow others to build trust in us and point to the One who they can put the most important trust in, Christ as Lord.   1 Corinthians 4:21 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. Colossians 1:10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.)

All matured, dependable Christians takes their responsibility deeper and has a greater concern for the overall good of the church.

May the good Lord add blessings to His Words in Jesus Name, Amen.

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