Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Dependability is purposing in our hearts to do the will of God, whatever the cost.
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Definition
ependability in small assignments is the prerequisite for big responsibilities.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” —Luke 16:10
“Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.” —St. Francis de Sales
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he standards for our weights and measures are based on the dependability of God’s creation and the laws that govern it.
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Dependability
A dependable person is defined in Scripture as one who is faithful. The Greek word for faithful is pistos and means “trustworthy, reliable, faithful.” Paul was instructed to teach the Gospel to faithful men who would be able to teach others. The Hebrew word for faithful is aman. It means “to build up or support, to foster as a parent or nurse, to stand firm.”
The Importance of Dependability Every believer should want this quality to be evident in his life. It is one quality Jesus will use to evaluate our work for Him: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). It is also one quality that is required for God to entrust resources to us and the quality that will win a crown for eternity: “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
Characteristics of Dependability • A dependable believer will be in harmony with the heart and mind of God. “I will raise
me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind” (I Samuel 2:35). “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9). “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). • A dependable Christian has a great reverence for God. “I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many” (Nehemiah 7:2). • A dependable person is faithful in little things as well as big things. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). • A dependable person has a heart attitude of faithfulness. “[Thou] foundest his [Abraham’s] heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him” (Nehemiah 9:8). • A dependable person keeps confidential information private. “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13).
The Power for True Success, ©2001 by the Institute in Basic Life Principles • www.iblp.org