We all have our respective roles in our lives, whether it be a child, a parent, a lover, a teacher, a Church member. Are we dependable or expendable person? Do we understand our accountability?
If others perceive us as expendable, then after some time we are expected to be tossed aside.
Dependable People Are Selfless
Colossians 4:7-8 “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;”
Paul gives a list of people whom he depended upon to take care of his ministry. We may all seek to be like Tychicus; the person whom Paul perceives to be selfless.
To be like Tychicus, we are expected to hold ourselves accountable, and to be a pillar of support towards others. For instance, we can always be that person that our Pastor at church can rely on us to help out at the ministry. More importantly, we do it unselfishly, voluntarily, and joyfully. Otherwise, we are considered expendable.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
A dependable person is also a patient and loving person that does not ruthlessly offend others at church. We should not let our own convictions become a burden to others. Besides, a dependable person also prioritizes others’ desires more than him/herself, which is a behavior of selflessness and giving glory to Jesus Christ.
For example, when we are in an argument, we aim to make peace, instead of continuously justifying ourselves which makes the argument become more heated.
It is about learning to make sacrifices, just like the sacrificial lamb; just like Christ Jesus who was crucified on the cross. It is not about comfort, but humbling ourselves by putting others’ interests first.
Dependable People Are Steadfast
Colossians 4:9 “With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. “
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Paul regards a faithful and dependable person as someone who is resolutely and dutifully firm with his ground, not easily moved by afflictions or temptations.
Are we one of the top five most dependable people in the church or congregation?
Do we fit the criteria of a dependable person? Are we being faithful or steadfast that the members can always count on us to deliver at the ministry?
Acts 15 shows a great example of a dispute between Paul and Barnabas over Mark’s dependability.
Dependable People Are Supportive
Colossians 4:10-11 “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.”
Ephesians 4:16 “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
These verses talk about the importance of creating and maintaining a supportive system towards one another. The pastor cannot do it all alone, the members should come together like hands and feet to keep it all together.
There are some leaders who play the supportive role very well, that is how they gain popularity from everyone. The only setback is that their agenda is worldly and they do it for their own gain. Nonetheless, their traits, behavior, and eloquence are something for us Bible believers to take into account if we were to be great supporters to others in the ministry. This is opposed to using our tongue in the most ungodly way; gossiping or nitpicking that makes us even more expendable.
Dependable People Are Spirited
Colossians 4:12-13 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”
Dependable people are spirited and can carry the extra mile of dependability.
We should not be calculative and instead, be willing to put in the extra effort.
Dependable People Are Settled
Colossians 4:17 “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”
People who are dependable are also settled in their conviction for the Lord. Sometimes we receive a conviction from the Lord, and it just makes us so much more grounded and committed to serving the ministry and the Lord.
Besides, when we are settled, we can also easily disregard negative things that others say about us.
Deuteronomy 3:21-22 “And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.”
Why could Joshua be depended upon?
Deuteronomy 3:28 “But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.”
This is because God trusted Joshua and put him in charge.
We should strive to be like Joshua, where God can entrust us to be a dependable person to others.