How Reliable Are You?
Any society to survive and thrive, depends on the interactions and transactions among its human constituents. Any relationship or institution will advance only to the extent that those involved in it act responsibly by showing they are reliable, not just in major issues but also in small ways. In fact, it is normally faithfulness in small dealings which provides the needed clue for others to engage in greater, more significant transactions with a person. This is what we see illustrated in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, where a superior says to an employee: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21). A casual, thoughtless, irresponsible attitude won’t ever do!
Some people often wonder why they were bypassed in a promotion, or why their salary was not increased when it was expected, or why a certain commendation did not come to them at the moment it was anticipated. Perhaps an honest, internal look into one’s personal reliability, or lack thereof, may offer the needed clue!
All this stems from a biblical principle recorded in Matthew 5:37: “Let your yea be yea, and you nay, nay, for whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” No relationship will last, no business will expand, no diplomatic effort will succeed, if a person’s word cannot be taken seriously. This remains true both personally as well as corporately. One will never advance in anything if he or she customarily only says what they assume to be what others desire to hear. But it is the “delivery” that ultimately counts! Many individuals will lose their credibility after a while, if they repeatedly engage in unreliable, irresponsible practices, even when their intention is not necessarily dishonest or malicious. Yet, such persons will very quickly run out of valid excuses.
There was a time, especially in American society, when major deals were closed with a mere hand-shake. One’s word, backed by appropriate actions, is and should always be a most significant asset, a most precious commodity, both to one’s personal reputation and, most importantly, because it is the proper thing to demonstrate. Although God requires that attitude from every human, the greatest burden falls on those whom He has redeemed - His human agents on earth.
People cannot take refuge in the excuse that they are wired differently, which causes them to act in a certain fashion. To live meaningfully and effectively in the world people constantly need to adapt themselves to varied, even less desirable situations, just as much as they do with the pleasant conditions they prefer. Anything short of that is pure mediocrity, and leads to irresponsibility; it often contributes to an unreliable posture, totally void of any justification.
Most of all, Christians need to recapture their true identity in Christ and recognize that as His representatives they are expected and empowered to fulfill a more responsible role towards fellow believers as well as to all other members of society.
Life can be a more enjoyable adventure when one is faithful to small tasks as well as to bigger issues. It all pertains to one’s planning and apportioning the time needed to accomplish every duty. And being reliable is never an insurmountable effort. But it is a key ingredient which allows human relationships to excel, while impacting other lives eager to emulate that essential quality one can easily project!
