INTRODUCTION

1

DEPENDABILITYFulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Dependability

Reliable people work hard to consistently honor

their commitments. When they are given a job, people can count on them to get it done. Does this describe you? Maybe you agreed to clean your room before dinner, but found the vacuum cleaner didn’t work. What could you do if you were determined to complete what you said you would do? You may be able to solve the problem yourself by cleaning out the vacuum cleaner. Or, perhaps, picking up the most obvious dirt would be sufficient until Dad could repair the vacuum cleaner. When you rise to the challenge and overcome difficulties to fulfill your small, daily responsibilities, others begin to trust that you will be reliable for greater opportunities in the future. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10a).

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

2

Dependability Overview

What is Dependability?Read aloud, study, and discuss what dependability means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of dependability is “fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means

unexpected sacrifice.” Dependable people do what they say they will do even when it is difficult. Dependability comes from two Latin words: de meaning “down” or “from” and pendere, “to hang.” Imagine a mountain climber going up a steep rockface. If his foot slips, he would literally be hanging in the air! He is dependant upon a sturdy rope and the strong anchor secured to

the mountain. In the same way, can others “hang” their trust on what you say you will do? Can they secure their plans on your word, confident that you will fulfill your commitments?

The opposite of depend-ability is inconsistency. What might happen if you had a loose tooth and you bit into a crisp apple? Or what if you

were walking along and your foot suddenly gave way? You were expecting your tooth and foot to perform their normal functions. You were depending on them! However, their instability let you down. The same is true when someone is inconsistent—he lets others down. People are disappointed, projects aren’t completed, and trust is broken. “Confidence in an

unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint” (Proverbs 25:19). Do you honor your commitments consistently or only occasionally? If you are following through only for your own gain, you will likely compromise when you are no longer benefited. However, when you have God’s love for others and seek their benefit first, you will not want to disappoint them.

What if you have a sudden change of plans? Maybe your family has a flat tire, or you suddenly become sick. Perhaps guests arrive unexpectedly. When making a promise, a dependable person will con-sider how quickly plans can change and will do his best to prevent the unexpected from hindering his commitments. Before taking a job mow-ing a neighbor’s lawn all summer, tell your neighbor which weeks you will be on vacation. Have a back-up plan so that a rainy day will not set you behind sched-ule. Ask a friend or brother if they are willing to fill in for you if needed. Keeping your word requires thinking ahead and setting your priorities in order so that others can count on the commitments you have made to them. Dependability may require that you give up some sleep, work a few more hours, or forego a fun event. However, being dependable will gain something money can’t buy: a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy person.

A dependable person consistently completes his mission so that oth-ers are unhindered and the goal is accomplished. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2).

A person who is not con-sistently reliable whenever pressures come disappoints the other members of the team and cannot be trusted.

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

3

Dependability in ScriptureRead aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive

my words, and hide my commandments with

thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and

apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under-

standing; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest

for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand

the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh

knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege

to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in

your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths

are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty

of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s

Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you,

your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He

will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GODWe see examples of dependability in God’s character

in the following ways:

• God is our all-powerful Source of strength on

Whom we can depend. (See Isaiah 40:28–29.)

• God will faithfully complete the work He begins

in believers at salvation. (See Philippians 1:6.)

• God will always prepare a way for us to bear our

temptations. (See I Corinthians 10:13.)

• Jesus kept His word by joining the disciples in

Galilee after His resurrection.

(See Matthew 28:10, 16–17.)

• Jesus Christ never changes; He is dependable

from the eternal past through the eternal future.

(See Hebrews 13:8.)

• Jesus judges righteously and is called “Faithful

and True.” (See Revelation 19:11.)

• The Holy Spirit is the seal of our eternal inheri-tance promised by God. (See Ephesians 1:13–14.)

DEPENDABILITY IN MY LIFENow let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out dependability daily.

• Who is the one Person Who will never, ever fail you? (See Deuteronomy 31:8.)

• Am I trustworthy to keep a confidence, or do I spread news about that which should be kept private? (See Proverbs 11:13.)

• Can my brothers and sisters count on me when they are going through difficult times? (See Proverbs 17:17.)

• How does faithfully performing my assignments affect those who are relying on me? (See Proverbs 25:13.)

• Am I earning a good name? What is a good name greater than? (See Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1.)

• What less significant duties could I complete now in order to prepare me for greater responsibilities in the future? (See Matthew 25:21.)

• What specific opportunity to serve has God given to me? Upon Whom should I depend to help me be faithful? (See I Timothy 1:12.)

DEPENDABILITY KEY VERSE

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” PSALM 15:4

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

4

Bible StoryOBADIAH RISKS HIS LIFE TO DELIVER A MESSAGE

“As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these

years . . .” (I Kings 17:1). Elijah bravely spoke these words to the evil king, Ahab. And just as Elijah said, Israel saw no rain for three years, and the land suffered a severe drought and famine. King Ahab hated the prophet Elijah! He blamed Elijah for the lack of rain instead of acknowledging that his own sin had brought this great trouble on Israel. For three years King Ahab tried to find Elijah, but Elijah hid in the wilderness. Finally, God told Elijah to go tell King Ahab that He would send

rain again. While Elijah approached Samaria, King Ahab and the governor of his house, Obadiah, were searching for water and grass to keep the livestock from dying. To broaden their search, King Ahab and Obadiah separated. Elijah met Obadiah first and knew he was a God-fearing man serving an unrighteous king. Elijah had a dangerous errand for Obadiah. What would Elijah ask him to do? Could Elijah count on Obadiah to reliably carry out the request, even though it might cost him his life? Would Obadiah and Elijah depend on God to fulfill His promises?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSRead I Kings 18:1–18, 41–46 together and discuss the following questions:

1. How had Obadiah proved to be reliable in the past? (See I Kings 18:4.)

How do your actions now determine whether others can count on you in the future?

2. Did King Ahab think Obadiah was a person he could depend upon? What task did he entrust to his servant to do on his own? (See I Kings 18:5–6.)

What task have you been asked to do on your own? How have you shown dependability in completing other tasks?

3. What did Elijah ask Obadiah to do? (See I Kings 18:7–8.)

What do your family members count on you to do? What are some situations which might make it difficult for you to finish what you consented to do?

4. What was Obadiah’s concern about carrying out Elijah’s request? What promise did Elijah make to Obadiah? (See I Kings 18:9–15.)

What promises have you made to others? Have you kept them?

5. How did Obadiah demonstrate dependability? What did King Ahab do to show he considered Obadiah’s words to be reliable? (See I Kings 18:16.)

How can your dependability be a testimony both to those who are unsaved and to those who are saved but wavering in their faith?

6. Did Elijah fulfill his promise to appear before the king, or did he disappear as Obadiah feared he would? (See I Kings 18:17.)

Who do you trust to honor their commitments to you? Why is it disappointing or difficult when a person does not keep his promise?

7. What did Elijah tell King Ahab? Was God’s Word to King Ahab dependable? (See I Kings 18:41–45.)

What promises has God given you in His Word? Why can you depend on Him to fully perform them?

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

5

Memory VersePSALM 15:4

Play the game together to help the children commit Psalm 15:4 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them

that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”

PSALM 15:4

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Unscramble

Have the children each write a different assigned word or phrase from the memory verse on a sheet of paper. Collect the papers and shuffle them, then distribute the sheets face down, one per child, so that the children do not see which words they received. On the count of three have the children look at the words on their papers, and then time them to see how fast they can line up with the words in the correct order. Quote the verse together. Repeat mixing up the papers, redistributing, and timing the children as they line up the words until the children have memorized the verse.

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “keep my promises, no matter how difficult,” or “think before making a promise,” or “plan for unexpected delays.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to _______________ ________________________________________ _______________________________________ . I ask that You would develop dependability in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

6

Activity WORD SEARCH

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

INTRODUCTIONEnjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the dependability key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards.

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “even” and “the.” Younger children could point to the ABC’s. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words instead of only the underlined words.

Psalm 15:4

“In whose eyes a vile

person is contemned; but

he honoureth them that

fear the Lord. He that

sweareth to his own hurt,

and changeth not.”

Dependability

Fulfilling what I

consented to do even

if it means unexpected

sacrifice

A HNP XEH IC

E GCN UEM RI

ODCSOI

E GTT CEO FW

HT RA D TS BNT HME

DF

D LIL IFB AI

E HGT TPN ED

NTSHEP

I BHN SAI LT

YHY

N MRE ACV OA

O RLC UTH OW

NDTWES

E FML RBI AU

RII

E YSP WQ

U NER OA

DFG

VND

N

IYDAHGMZT

V NTS IF

FU

A JH T HS T CAN GKM

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

7

Object Lesson THE ORANGE EXPERIMENT

INTRODUCTIONDuring this character study we are asking the Lord to develop dependability in our lives. What a privilege to re-spond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to conduct an experi-ment to remind us to be reliable so we do not let others down.

Supplies:• Tall, clear, glass vase or gallon jar• Water• Orange• Permanent marker• Butter knife, if needed, for peeling the orange

Instructions

Beforehand, thoroughly wash an orange with dish soap so that any oils will not prevent the permanent marker from writing clearly on the orange.

What are people depending on you to do? I will write your answers on this orange as you say them. (Possible answers: take out the trash, put your clothes away, be ready to leave on time, feed the pets.)

With your various responsibilities written on this orange, let’s see what happens when we place the orange in the water. Do you think it will float or sink to the bottom? Place the orange in the water and watch it float!

This floating orange represents your dependability when you carry out your commitments and respon-sibilities. Others are uplifted as you are reliable and faithful to do your part.

Now, what if you do not complete your part? Read and peel from the orange each of the responsibilities written. What do you think will happen to the orange? Do you

think others will be affected when you do not take care of your duties? Put the orange in the water and now watch it sink!

What happened? When you do not do what you said you would do, others are disappointed and lose trust in you. Your unreliability can even cause them trouble or extra work. Like this orange, they are let down.

Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings.” Either you will be known as one who is reliable or as one who is inconsistent. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of impact will you have on others?

8

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

“And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. And Elijah said, As the Lord of hosts liveth . . . I will surely shew myself unto him to day.

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him . . .” (I Kings 18:14–16).

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

9

Hymn History

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

“I Would Be True”Sing “I Would Be True” and read about the pursuit of dependability by the hymn writer, Howard Walter.

While teaching English in far away Japan, the 23-year-old American professor sat at his

desk one day, intently writing a letter to his mother. Howard Walter wanted to encourage her with the vision statement he had written for his life, influenced greatly by the habits of dependability and service she had instilled in him as a young child.

Weeks later in America, his mother eagerly opened his letter. Enclosed was his poem of three stanzas, titled “My Creed.” She rejoiced as she read the poem which stated her son’s strong convictions! The proud mother promptly sent a copy of her son’s poem to Harper’s Magazine. “My Creed” was published in the May 1909 issue.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care. I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

Who was the young man behind these penned affirma-tions? Howard Walter was born in 1883. He graduated from Princeton University and journeyed to Tokyo to teach English at Waseda University. Fulfilling his one-year commitment there, Mr. Walter came home, attended seminary, and afterward served as an assis-tant minister for three years. In 1913, he traveled to India to preach and teach.

Reverend Walter’s creed included the guiding principles he sought to live his life by—principles for daily living that he learned as a young child. His creed affirmed his desire to be someone God and others could count on. Dependability is “fulfilling what I consented to

do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.” Reverend Walter lived with the assurance that God would enable him to be “true,” “pure,” “strong,” and “brave.” He firmly believed that as he depended on God to work in his life and help him live by his creed, he could fulfill the tasks he consented to do, and others could depend upon him.

Reverend Walter also realized that as he followed Christ, he would encounter difficulties. However, he knew the trials would be worth their pain because his gaze was intent on pleasing his Savior, Jesus Christ. His work in India involved outreach to Muslim students. In 1918 a severe flu epidemic raged in that foreign land. The dedicated preacher succumbed to the disease, dying at the young age of 35. Reverend Walter could have left India and served elsewhere, but he remained true to his calling from God and proved himself dependable to His Master. He was willing to sacrifice his life in order to present the Gospel to those who did not know Christ.

His radiant legacy and dynamic example live on in his creed. Will you take up the challenge to be dependable and complete the tasks God calls you to do, no matter the cost?

Howard A. Walter (1883–1918)

10

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

Hymn Sheet Music

III

1. 2. 3.

wouldwouldwould

bebebe

true,friendprayer -

forofful

there

thruall—

arethe

each

thosefoe,bus -

whothey

trustfriend-mo -

me;less;

ment;

I

II

wouldwouldwould

bebebe

pure,giv -con -

foring,

stant -

thereandly

arefor -in

thoseget

touch

whothewith

care.gift.God.

III

wouldwouldwould

bebebe

strong,hum -tuned

forble,to

thereforhear

isI

His

muchknowslight-

tomyest

suf -weak-whis -

fernessper;

III

wouldwouldwould

belookhave

brave,up,

faith

forandto

therelaugh,keep

isandthe

muchlove,path

toand

Christ

darelifttrod

III

wouldwouldwould

belookhave

braveup

faith

forandto

therelaugh,keep

isandthe

muchlove,path

toand

Christ

dare.lift.trod.

I Would Be TrueJoseph Yates Peek (1843–1911)

©

Howard A. Walter (1883–1918)

11

Copy

righ

t ©20

18 b

y th

e In

stit

ute

in B

asic

Lif

e Pr

inci

ples

· ib

lp.o

rg

Recommended Resources• 2018 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

• Hymns for the Family CDs (“I Would Be True” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 3.)

• The Power for True Success

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• “Turning a Business Collapse Into a Triumphant Victory” (Message by Ralph Meloon, available at embassymedia.com.)

• “A Good Name” (Message by Jim Sammons, available at embassymedia.com.)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

Word Search Answer Key

Hymn History BibliographyHustad, Donald, P., Dictionary-Handbook to Hymns for the

Living Church, Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL,

1978, pp. 119, 333.

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications,

Grand Rapids, 1982, p. 142.

Reynolds, William J., Hymns of Our Faith, Broadman Press,

Nashville, 1964, pp. 91–92, 430.

A HNP XEH IC

E GCN UEM RI

ODCSOI

E GTT CEO FW

HT RA D TS BNT HME

DF

D LIL IFB AI

E HGT TPN ED

NTSHEP

I BHN SAI LT

YHY

N MRE ACV OA

O RLC UTH OW

NDTWES

E FML RBI AU

RII

E YSP WQ

U NER OA

DFG

VND

N

IYDAHGMZT

V NTS IF

FU

A JH T HS T CAN GKM