Have you ever found yourself anxiously tapping your foot while waiting for that friend who is always fashionably late? We've all been there! That's where dependability comes into play. In a world where plans can go haywire and schedules resemble a wild rollercoaster ride, having a friend who is consistently reliable and has your back is like discovering a precious gem. We all yearn for someone who shows up on time with a warm smile and a reassuring presence. Dependability is not just a virtue; it's a lifeline we cling to during good and challenging times where Christian Character Counts.
Dependability is essential in the Christian faith, and Jesus is the epitome of being dependable. In John 21:15-25, the Bible recounts the story of Peter and the other disciples reuniting with Jesus after His resurrection. The disciples had temporarily turned away from their faith and returned to their old ways, aligning themselves with the world's values. In doing so, they missed out on the true meaning of dependability. To be dependable means being trustworthy, consistent, and reliable in our actions, commitments, and performance rooted in God's Love and wisdom. Anything less would make us companions of the world and enemies of God.
Various challenges arise when a Christian chooses to prioritize friendship with the world over aligning with God's way, truth, and lifestyle (John 14:6). These include conflicting values, spiritual stagnation, compromising one's beliefs, diminished spiritual growth, and a compromised witness of God's Love to others. While Christians are called to love and engage with the world, we must not conform to its values or rely on its familiarities, mindsets, or viewpoints (Romans 12:2). Developing genuine relationships with non-believers while remaining steadfast and dependable in our faith requires wisdom, discernment, and a firm foundation in God's grace and truth.
Even though the Apostle Peter and the other disciples denied Christ multiple times, Jesus unconditionally forgave them, and Jesus reinstated them, calling all to a deeper relationship with Him and to build even greater trust. This calling extends to all of us today as we strive to keep the movement of Christ alive and well in our day and age. The key to this endeavor lies in forgiveness and being dependable in God's reality. Our roles and responsibilities are flipped upside down once we insert the keys of forgiveness and dependability into the Door known as Jesus. Our unconditional forgiveness and divine dependability prompt Jesus to say, "Feed My sheep."
Reflecting on what has been said, we are reminded of the unwavering dependability of Christ. He loves us unconditionally, forgives us when we falter, and continually calls us to a deeper relationship with Him. Let us embrace His example of dependability and strive to be dependable followers of Christ in our lives where everyone benefits. May we love, serve, and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, just as He is to us where Christian Character Counts.
With dependability,
Pastor Drake