This characteristic, dependability, has become a dinosaur in our day. To be dependable means you will do what you say you will. If you tell a friend, you will do something they can consider it done. I have had a few friends in my life that never let me down. If they told me they would do something I had no doubt it was taken care of. These kind of friends are there when the chips are down. They will stand for you when you can’t stand for yourself.
Jonathan was such a friend as this. David needed an ally in the Kings’ house because his life was in danger. He was on the run for his life. He needed someone he could depend on to look out for his life. He knew Jonathan loved him. He knew he was trustworthy and loyal. He knew they shared the common ground of faith. They respected one another and loved one another as brothers. Now, David needed someone who would not quit, but deliver him the information he needed to stay alive. I Samuel 18:28 tells us that “Saul became David’s enemy continually.”
Jonathan could have played it safe and just told David to leave the area and not come back. However, he was committed to his friend and believed in his heart that David was to be the next King.
I Samuel 19:2 “But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:”
If Johnathan had waivered for a brief period, trying to decide on whether or not to be dependable for David, Saul may have succeeded in his quest to kill David. David had to depend on Jonathan for his life and he did!
This character trait allowed David and Jonathan to have a deep relationship that far exceeded the superficial relationship that involves most friendships. It was very engaging with no resentment between them. Jonathan could have loved David and remained loyal to his friendship by not betraying him. He could have relished the thought of the common ground of their faith, knowing no matter the outcome they would see one another again. However, without dependability, there would not have been King David. David could depend on Jonathan for his life because he had proved he was faithful other times.
Luke 16:10 “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Are you dependable? How far are you willing to go for your friends? Will you change your plans and set aside your desires to be there for a friend? Do you tell people you will do things and then forget, or half do it? Are you reluctant to commit to serving your friend because it is not comfortable to you? If the answer to any of these is in opposition to what would best serve your friend, it is a symptom that you are not a dependable friend.
Dependability is not based on your comfort zone. It is based on your desire to serve. Many claim to be faithful to God, they say they love Jesus and want to serve Him,. until it interferes with their plans. Their desires to do what they want overrides their desire to serve at all costs!
If you are a dependable Christian friend, it will cost you something. The best friend we will ever have paid a great price to show we could depend on Him. Jesus knew our salvation was dependant on His death. His love for us cost Him great agony. We should do whatever it takes to show Jesus He can depend on us. There will be times when things are scheduled that interfere with your worship. You may want to go, or feel compelled to go, but if Jesus is your best friend you will not forsake Him for others. This should also be our pattern for being a dependable friend to others. There will be times people need you, and you will have to cancel your plans. It may cost you time or money. It may cost you emotionally as you bear the burden of a friend. As you love Christ more each day as your dependable friend, it will cause you to love others more, and be a dependable friend.
