BCIC Dependability Sample

Dependability

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

“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

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

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Teacher

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith. This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture. May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview

What Is Dependability?

Read aloud 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?

A dependable person consistently fulfills his mission so that others 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).

The opposite of dependability 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 consider how quickly plans can change and will do his best to prevent the unexpected from hindering his commitments. Before taking a job mowing a neighbor’s lawn all summer, tell your neighbor which weeks you will be on vacation. Plan ahead so that a rainy day will not set you behind schedule. 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.

Just as a link made of yarn will break under pressure, a person who is not reliable will disappoint others and cannot be trusted.

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Dependability in Scripture

DEPENDABILITY KEY VERSE

As you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

We 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 provide a way for us to escape 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 inheritance promised by God.

(See Ephesians 1:13–14.)

“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

Dependability in My Life

Now 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 that 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 me? Upon Whom should I depend to help me be faithful?

(See I Timothy 1:12.)

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ENABLES ME TO Be Reliable

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 larger bits of dirt and fuzz would be sufficient until Dad could repair the vacuum cleaner. When you rise to the challenge and overcome difficulties to fulfill your smaller, 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).

DEPENDABILITY

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

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INTRODUCTION

GOD

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

BIBLE STORY

Obadiah 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. 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. The prophet knew the governor 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?

Let’s read the Bible story in I Kings 18:1–18, 41–46 and then discuss the following questions.

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

What actions can you take now that would cause others to 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 those 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.)

What can a Christian consistently do that would be a good testimony both to those who are unsaved and to Christians who are struggling?

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.)

Whom 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.)

List promises from God’s Word. Why can you depend on God to fulfill them? (See Psalm 119:160.)

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LESSON 1 Be Reliable

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!