Reliability

Genesis 49

‘Unstable as water’ Genesis 49:4

Reliability matters because other people build their plans around our promises. When we say we will help, someone stops looking for help elsewhere. When we accept responsibility, someone trusts that the task will be done. Our failure to follow through often becomes another person’s burden. In Genesis 49, Jacob describes Reuben as unstable as water. Despite his position as the eldest son, Reuben’s conduct had undermined the trust that should have accompanied his responsibility. Privilege and potential could not make up for his lack of dependability. We should consider the distance between what we intend and what we actually do. We may sincerely want to serve, encourage or support someone, but good intentions alone cannot meet their needs. Faithfulness requires action, especially when enthusiasm fades or keeping our word becomes hard. For a church family, this matters. Much of our care for one another depends on ordinary commitments: arriving when expected, preparing for a ministry, checking on someone who is struggling and remembering what we offered to do. We learn faithfulness from Jesus, who carried through the costly work the Father entrusted to him. His grace offers forgiveness when we fail and strength to begin changing. If you cannot keep a promise, speak honestly rather than leaving someone waiting. Faithfulness grows as our words become something others can safely depend upon.

Dave