Dependability by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Dependability INTRODUCTION

eliable people work hard to consistently honor their commitments. When they are given a job, people can count on them to get it done. Does this describe you? Maybe you agreed to clean your room before dinner, but found the vacuum cleaner didn’t work. What could you do if you were determined to complete what you said you would do? You may be able to solve the problem yourself by cleaning out the vacuum cleaner. Or, perhaps, picking up the most obvious dirt would be sufficient until Dad could repair the vacuum cleaner. When you rise to the challenge and overcome difficulties to fulfill your small, daily responsibilities, others begin to trust that you will be reliable for greater opportunities in the future. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10a). Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

DEPENDABILITY Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice 1

Dependability Overview What is Dependability? Read aloud, study, and discuss what dependability means and how it applies to life. unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,

“fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means

and a foot out of joint” (Proverbs 25:19). Do you honor

unexpected sacrifice.” Dependable people do what they

your commitments consistently or only occasionally?

say they will do even when it is difficult. Dependability

If you are following through only for your own gain,

comes from two Latin words: de meaning “down” or

you will likely compromise when you are no longer

“from” and pendere, “to hang.” Imagine a mountain

benefited. However, when you

climber going up a steep rockface. If his foot slips, he

have God’s love for others and

would literally be hanging in the air! He is dependant

seek their benefit first, you will

upon a sturdy rope and the strong anchor secured to

not want to disappoint them.

the mountain. In the same way, can others “hang” their trust on what you say you will do? Can they secure their plans on your word, confident that you will fulfill your A dependable person consistently completes his mission so that oth-

change of plans? Maybe your family has a flat tire, or you suddenly become sick. Perhaps guests arrive unexpectedly. When making a promise, a

A person who is not con-

dependable person will con-

sistently reliable whenever

sider how quickly plans can

pressures come disappoints

change and will do his best to

the other members of the team and cannot be trusted.

The opposite of depend-

prevent the unexpected from

accomplished. “And the things that

ability is inconsistency.

hindering his commitments. Before taking a job mow-

thou hast heard of me among many

What might happen if

ing a neighbor’s lawn all summer, tell your neighbor

witnesses, the same commit thou

you had a loose tooth

which weeks you will be on vacation. Have a back-up

and you bit into a crisp

plan so that a rainy day will not set you behind sched-

apple? Or what if you

ule. Ask a friend or brother if they are willing to fill in

ers are unhindered and the goal is

to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2).

commitments?

What if you have a sudden

were walking along and your foot suddenly gave way?

for you if needed. Keeping your word requires thinking

You were expecting your tooth and foot to perform

ahead and setting your priorities in order so that others

their normal functions. You were depending on

can count on the commitments you have made to them.

them! However, their instability let you down. The

Dependability may require that you give up some sleep,

same is true when someone is inconsistent—he lets

work a few more hours, or forego a fun event. However,

others down. People are disappointed, projects aren’t

being dependable will gain something money can’t buy:

completed, and trust is broken. “Confidence in an

a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy person.

he operational definition of dependability is

Dependability in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept. •

tance promised by God. (See Ephesians 1:13–14.)

my words, and hide my commandments with

thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand

DEPENDABILITY IN MY LIFE Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out dependability daily. •

the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh

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private? (See Proverbs 11:13.) •

your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He

(See Proverbs 17:17.) •

(See Proverbs 25:13.) •

We see examples of dependability in God’s character in the following ways: •

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Am I earning a good name? What is a good name greater than? (See Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1.)

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What less significant duties could I complete now

God is our all-powerful Source of strength on

in order to prepare me for greater responsibilities

Whom we can depend. (See Isaiah 40:28–29.)

in the future? (See Matthew 25:21.)

God will faithfully complete the work He begins in believers at salvation. (See Philippians 1:6.)

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How does faithfully performing my assignments affect those who are relying on me?

will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD

Can my brothers and sisters count on me when they are going through difficult times?

of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you,

Am I trustworthy to keep a confidence, or do I spread news about that which should be kept

to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty

Who is the one Person Who will never, ever fail you? (See Deuteronomy 31:8.)

knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths

The Holy Spirit is the seal of our eternal inheri-

God will always prepare a way for us to bear our

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What specific opportunity to serve has God given to me? Upon Whom should I depend to help me be faithful? (See I Timothy 1:12.)

temptations. (See I Corinthians 10:13.) •

Jesus kept His word by joining the disciples in Galilee after His resurrection. (See Matthew 28:10, 16–17.)

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Jesus Christ never changes; He is dependable from the eternal past through the eternal future. (See Hebrews 13:8.)

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Jesus judges righteously and is called “Faithful

DEPENDABILITY KEY VERSE “In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” PSALM 15:4

roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive

and True.” (See Revelation 19:11.)

Bible Story OBADIAH RISKS HIS LIFE TO DELIVER A MESSAGE

“A

s the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom

rain again. While Elijah approached Samaria, King

I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these

Ahab and the governor of his house, Obadiah, were

years . . .” (I Kings 17:1). Elijah bravely spoke these words

searching for water and grass to keep the livestock

to the evil king, Ahab. And just as Elijah said, Israel saw

from dying. To broaden their search, King Ahab and

no rain for three years, and the land suffered a severe

Obadiah separated. Elijah met Obadiah first and knew

drought and famine. King Ahab hated the prophet

he was a God-fearing man serving an unrighteous

Elijah! He blamed Elijah for the lack of rain instead

king. Elijah had a dangerous errand for Obadiah.

of acknowledging that his own sin had brought this

What would Elijah ask him to do? Could Elijah count

great trouble on Israel. For three years King Ahab tried

on Obadiah to reliably carry out the request, even

to find Elijah, but Elijah hid in the wilderness. Finally,

though it might cost him his life? Would Obadiah

God told Elijah to go tell King Ahab that He would send

and Elijah depend on God to fulfill His promises?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read I Kings 18:1–18, 41–46 together and discuss the following questions:

How do your actions now determine whether others can count on you in the future? 2. Did King Ahab think Obadiah was a person he could depend upon? What task did he entrust to his servant to do on his own? (See I Kings 18:5–6.) What task have you been asked to do on your own? How have you shown dependability in completing other tasks? 3. What did Elijah ask Obadiah to do? (See I Kings 18:7–8.) What do your family members count on you to do? What are some situations which might make it difficult for you to finish what you consented to do? 4. What was Obadiah’s concern about carrying out Elijah’s request? What promise did Elijah make to Obadiah? (See I Kings 18:9–15.)

What promises have you made to others? Have you kept them? 5. How did Obadiah demonstrate dependability? What did King Ahab do to show he considered Obadiah’s words to be reliable? (See I Kings 18:16.) How can your dependability be a testimony both to those who are unsaved and to those who are saved but wavering in their faith? 6. Did Elijah fulfill his promise to appear before the king, or did he disappear as Obadiah feared he would? (See I Kings 18:17.) Who do you trust to honor their commitments to you? Why is it disappointing or difficult when a person does not keep his promise? 7. What did Elijah tell King Ahab? Was God’s Word to King Ahab dependable? (See I Kings 18:41–45.) What promises has God given you in His Word? Why can you depend on Him to fully perform them?

1. How had Obadiah proved to be reliable in the past? (See I Kings 18:4.)

Memory Verse PSALM 15:4

Play the game together to help the children commit Psalm 15:4 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”

MEMORY VERSE GAME

DOERS OF THE WORD

Unscramble

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

Have the children each write a different assigned word

how difficult,” or “think before making a promise,” or

or phrase from the memory verse on a sheet of paper. Collect the papers and shuffle them, then distribute the sheets face down, one per child, so that the children do not see which words they received. On the count of three have the children look at the words on their papers, and then time them to see how fast they can line up with the words in the correct order. Quote the verse together. Repeat mixing up the papers, redistributing, and timing the

applied in your life, e.g., “keep my promises, no matter “plan for unexpected delays.” “Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________ _________________________________________ �� . I ask that You would develop dependability in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

children as they line up the words until the children have

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply

memorized the verse.

this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

PSALM 15:4

working in your life.

Activity WORD SEARCH

INTRODUCTION Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the dependability key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards.

M T E W H A T M B U T F K

T E T O I N I E L I V S N

H G C F B S L F R A N I G

A N E C I F I R C A S Q H

T A P H D L B N E V E P A

R H X I L I A M A O Y W J

S C E I G P D L T W E A S

D E N M E T N O C H U R T

T G U R H T E R U O N O H

N D S I T H P D W S F T A

B O C O N S E N T E D G T

N V N D I Y D A H G M Z C

Psalm 15:4 “In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”

Dependability Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “even” and “the.” Younger children could point to the ABC’s. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words instead of only the underlined words.

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

E H D F Y H Y R I I F U M

Object Lesson THE ORANGE EXPERIMENT

INTRODUCTION During this character study we are asking the Lord to develop dependability in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to conduct an experiment to remind us to be reliable so we do not let others down.

Supplies:

think others will be affected when you do not take care of your duties? Put the orange in the water and now

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Tall, clear, glass vase or gallon jar

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Water

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Orange

What happened? When you do not do what you said

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Permanent marker

you would do, others are disappointed and lose trust in

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Butter knife, if needed, for peeling the orange

you. Your unreliability can even cause them trouble

Instructions Beforehand, thoroughly wash an orange with dish soap so that any oils will not prevent the permanent marker from writing clearly on the orange. What are people depending on you to do? I will write

watch it sink!

or extra work. Like this orange, they are let down. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings.” Either you will be known as one who is reliable or as one who is inconsistent. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of impact will you have on others?

answers: take out the trash, put your clothes away, be ready to leave on time, feed the pets.) With your various responsibilities written on this orange, let’s see what happens when we place the orange in the water. Do you think it will float or sink to the bottom? Place the orange in the water and watch it float! This floating orange represents your dependability when you carry out your commitments and responsibilities. Others are uplifted as you are reliable and faithful to do your part. Now, what if you do not complete your part? Read and peel from the orange each of the responsibilities written.

your answers on this orange as you say them. (Possible

What do you think will happen to the orange? Do you

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

“And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. And Elijah said, As the Lord of hosts liveth . . . I will surely shew myself unto him to day. So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him . . .” (I Kings 18:14–16). 8

Hymn History “I Would Be True” Sing “I Would Be True” and read about the pursuit of dependability by the hymn writer, Howard Walter. do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.” Reverend

Weeks later in America, his mother eagerly opened his letter. Enclosed was his poem of three stanzas, titled “My Creed.” She rejoiced as she read the poem which stated her son’s strong convictions! The proud mother promptly sent a copy of her son’s poem to Harper’s Magazine. “My Creed” was published in the May 1909 issue.

he consented to do,

I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care. I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare. Who was the young man behind these penned affirmations? Howard Walter was born in 1883. He graduated from Princeton University and journeyed to Tokyo to teach English at Waseda University. Fulfilling his one-year commitment there, Mr. Walter came home, attended seminary, and afterward served as an assistant minister for three years. In 1913, he traveled to India to preach and teach. Reverend Walter’s creed included the guiding principles he sought to live his life by—principles for daily living that he learned as a young child. His creed affirmed his desire to be someone God and others could count on. Dependability is “fulfilling what I consented to

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

Walter lived with the assurance that God would enable him to be “true,” “pure,” “strong,” and “brave.” He firmly believed that as he depended on God to work in his life and help him live by his creed, he could fulfill the tasks and others could depend upon him. Reverend Walter also realized that as he followed Christ, he would encounter difficulties. However, he knew the trials would be worth their

Howard A. Walter (1883–1918)

pain because his gaze was intent on pleasing his Savior, Jesus Christ. His work in India involved outreach to Muslim students. In 1918 a severe flu epidemic raged in that foreign land. The dedicated preacher succumbed to the disease, dying at the young age of 35. Reverend Walter could have left India and served elsewhere, but he remained true to his calling from God and proved himself dependable to His Master. He was willing to sacrifice his life in order to present the Gospel to those who did not know Christ. His radiant legacy and dynamic example live on in his creed. Will you take up the challenge to be dependable and complete the tasks God calls you to do, no matter

hile teaching English in far away Japan, the 23-year-old American professor sat at his desk one day, intently writing a letter to his mother. Howard Walter wanted to encourage her with the vision statement he had written for his life, influenced greatly by the habits of dependability and service she had instilled in him as a young child.

the cost?

Hymn Sheet Music

I Would Be True Joseph Yates Peek (1843–1911)

          

      



     

         

      

 

     

1. I would be true, for there are those who trust me; 2. I would be friend of all— the foe, the friend - less; 3. I would be prayer - ful thru each bus - y mo - ment;

     

   

 

     



   

   



pure, for there are those who care. giv - ing, and for - get the gift. con - stant - ly in touch with God.

 

    



   



would be strong, for would be hum - ble, would be tuned to

           

     

               

        

     

                

there is much to suf - fer for I know my weak- ness hear His slight-est whis - per;

I would be brave, for there is much to I would look up, and laugh, and love, and I would have faith to keep the path Christ

     

   

   

   

  

   

dare lift trod

I would be brave I would look up I would have faith

I I I

I would be I would be I would be

 

      

   

      

for there is much to dare. and laugh, and love, and lift. to keep the path Christ trod.



Howard A. Walter (1883–1918)

E H D F Y H Y R I I F U M

M T E W H A T M B U T F K

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H G C F B S L F R A N I G

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Recommended Resources

S C E I G P D L T W E A S

D E N M E T N O C H U R T

T G U R H T E R U O N O H

N D S I T H P D W S F T A

B O C O N S E N T E D G T

N V N D I Y D A H G M Z C

Hymn History Bibliography Hustad, Donald, P., Dictionary-Handbook to Hymns for the Living Church, Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL, 1978, pp. 119, 333. Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, p. 142. Reynolds, William J., Hymns of Our Faith, Broadman Press, Nashville, 1964, pp. 91–92, 430.

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2018 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

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Hymns for the Family CDs (“I Would Be True” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 3.)

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The Power for True Success

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Character Cards

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Character Cards Memory Game

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Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

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Achieving True Success

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“Turning a Business Collapse Into a Triumphant Victory” (Message by Ralph Meloon, available at embassymedia.com.)

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“A Good Name” (Message by Jim Sammons, available at embassymedia.com.)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

Word Search Answer Key