English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
Dependability is the quality of being able to be counted on. Dependable individuals are reliable. They fulfill their commitments and are deserving of trust. When faced with an important task that must be completed within a specific timeframe, we seek out dependable individuals. Dependability is a valuable trait that also demonstrates a person’s trustworthiness, honesty, and responsibility.
The antithesis of dependability is unreliability. Individuals who are consistently tardy, overextend themselves, or take on tasks they cannot complete are not dependable. Part of being dependable is recognizing one’s own limitations. For instance, consider Sue who has been requested to assist in the nursery for the next three weeks. She agrees to this commitment but on the second week, she informs the director on Sunday morning that her family is departing for a prearranged vacation. Although Sue was aware of the vacation, she failed to assess whether she could honor her commitment before agreeing to help in the nursery. If Sue had developed the trait of dependability, she would have politely declined the initial request to assist knowing she would be unable to fulfill the duties.
Dependability in an individual will prevent them from engaging in gossip: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” «A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. », (Proverbs 11:13). Dependability also makes someone a valuable asset to their employer: “Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master” «As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him: For he refresheth the soul of his masters. », (Proverbs 25:13).13″>(Proverbs 25:13). We should strive to be reliable because God is. The Bible often portrays God as a sturdy rock or an enduring fortress (2 Samuel 22:3;Psalm 9:9;Psalm 59:16;Psalm 62:7), and His words are described as “fully trustworthy” «Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.», (Psalm 119:138).
In the book of Ruth, Boaz exemplifies dependability. When Ruth requests Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer, he agrees to fulfill that role if legally permissible: “As surely as the Lord lives, I will do it” «Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.», (Ruth 3:13). Later that morning, Ruth informs her mother-in-law, Naomi, of the events. Naomi advises her to “wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today” (verse 18). Boaz was known for his dependability; he followed through on his commitments.
Dependable individuals honor their promises, even when it comes at a personal cost. God regards our vows with great seriousness. Dependability was mandated in God’s Law for Israel: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2;cf: Ecclesiastes 5:4;Psalm 50:14). Reliable individuals adhere to the age-old principle: “My word is my bond.” James 5:12 reminds us to
It reminds us that we shouldn’t have to swear by anything to be believed. Our simple yes or no should be as good as gold to those who hear it.
Believers will receive rewards when they see Jesus, and some of those rewards will demonstrate our reliability. The words we desire to hear are “Well done, good and faithful servant” «His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. », (Matthew 25:21). Faithfulness is also a component of reliability. We abide in His Word «Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; », (John 8:31). We persevere through trials and suffering (1 Peter 2:20-21;2 Timothy 2:3). We strive for holiness and regard our sinful flesh as crucified with Christ (1 Peter 2:16;Romans 6). We utilize all that God has entrusted to us for His glory and His purposes (Luke 19:12-26;1 Corinthians 10:31). When God deems us reliable, we will receive the reward given to faithful servants «And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. », (Revelation 22:12).
