Dependability: A Spiritual Reinforcement

Transcription

1 Dependability: A Spiritual Reinforcement Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful (dependable) man? Proverbs 20:6

2 Spend some time with your child this month explaining the virtues of dependability. A dependable person will be in harmony with the heart and mind of God 1 Samuel 2:35. A dependable person has a great reverence for God Nehemiah 7:2. A dependable person is faithful in little things as well as big things Luke 16:10. A dependable person has a heart attitude of faithfulness Nehemiah 9:8. A dependable person keeps confidential information private Proverbs 11:13. A dependable person communicates energy and health Proverbs 13:17. A dependable person is truthful in all that he says Proverbs 14:5. A dependable person will not tell people how good he is Proverbs 20:6. A dependable person encourages those whom he serves Proverbs 25:13. A dependable person is faultless in his work Daniel 6:4. A dependable person deals wisely with resources and relationships Luke 16:1-15. As parents, we should set aside time to teach our children character traits that will make them outstanding, admired citizens. Every day is filled with opportunities for helping them learn about the character traits we value and want to encourage. Children)who)are)dependable)have:...reliability...steadiness...loyalty...fidelity steadfastness trustworthiness Dependability is the quality of being steadfast or trustworthy. The opposite of dependability is fickleness, unpredictability or inconsistency. How to Demonstrate Dependability at Home Committing to stay together even through financial difficulties and personal conflicts. Parents being faithful to go to work and provide for the family. Sons and daughters completing their chores every day. Helping family members to avoid making commitments they cannot keep. Family members fulfilling promises they made to each other. at Work/School Sons and daughters completing their homework every day. Being faithful in little responsibilities as well as big ones. Being punctual for each class. at Church Being an energy-giver and refusing to complain. Being faithful to regular church services. Giving regularly through tithes and offerings.

3 Character Definitions of Dependability Learning to be true to your word even when it is difficult to carry out what you promised to do. Lifting pressures from those you serve by consistently fulfilling the project they assign to you. Purposing in our hearts to do the will of God whatever the cost. Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice. Bible Stories Related to Dependability The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 The story of how the Lord made Joseph to prosper Genesis Ruth in Ruth 1:16 Jonathan in I Samuel 20:17; II Samuel 15:21 Elisha in II Kings 2:2 Mary Magdalene and other women in Matthew 27:55,56; 28:1 Thomas in John 11:16 Christ in John 13:1 Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16:4 Onesiphorus in II Timothy 1:16 The I Wills of Dependability I will keep my word. I will be careful what I promise. I will correct my mistakes. I will pull my share of the load. I will not have a bad attitude. The Concept of Dependability There are three parts to Dependability: persons, promises, and prices. Dependability begins with a relationship between at least two people. It involves teachers and students, children and parents, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, employees and employers, and every other possible affiliation. Furthermore, dependability goes both directions in a relationship. There are no exemptions based on age, gender, position, or power. The second part of dependability is the promise. A promise is an agreement to fulfill certain duties. It is not made by force, but by personal consent. The last part of dependability is the price. Sometimes keeping a promise requires little sacrifice. Other times it requires a lot. Regardless of how costly it becomes, dependability is paying the price to keep a person s promise.

4 It's important to memorize Scripture in order to stand strong during life's difficult circumstances. When you have Bible verses inscribed in your mind, you're carrying a concealed weapon. You're wielding the sword of the Spirit. (Dr. David Jeremiah) With your family, meditate on these passages during the month of February and begin laying up His words in your heart. Steadfast is being used as a synonym for dependability. 1 Chronicles 28:7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day. Job 11:15 Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 57:7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. Psalm 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Daniel 6:26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

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