Jesus is Dependable... so we're dependable

Hello, Bridge Family!

​I hope everything is well at your homes. I find this Bible Point quite challenging. I don’t know about you, but I believe that Jesus is dependable; however, I have serious concerns about my own dependability. I wish I could say I don’t, but honestly, if I reflect on my dependability over the past 65 years, I’ve struggled. Why? Well, I could probably provide you with a million different excuses. In reality, it boils down to this: I aim to do what is right, but I don’t always succeed. I want to avoid doing wrong, but I sometimes do it anyway (Rom 7:19 NLT). I know Paul is speaking about sin here, but for me, it also reflects my struggle to be dependable. As a husband and father, I truly wanted to be dependable, but I often fell short of that goal. And unfortunately, I still do. 
 
How about you? Am I alone here? Consider this: a small promise to take your child to the store that goes unfulfilled reflects a lack of dependability in their eyes. How many times has this, or something like it, happened in your home? We probably can’t count the times if we are honest. Without realizing it, we establish this life truth in the hearts of our children—people aren’t always dependable. That’s just part of life.
 
We need to be honest with our children when we talk to them. Yes, our goal in life should be to be dependable so that we can show the work of God’s Spirit in us. But we sometimes fail. In our story, we see that Jesus finished what He started despite distractions. In every story about Jesus, He always completes what He begins, including sacrificing His life as a punishment for our sins. Jesus never fails to be dependable. It’s his dependability that we need to rely on most. Then, be honest, admit your struggles. Share how it makes you feel when you fail. Then let them know that when we struggle to be dependable, we are not alone. The one who gives us everlasting life will also, through prayer, give us the strength to become more dependable.
           
Remember, it’s never too late to engage. As long as your child is at home, you have an excellent opportunity to share the Bible and explore it together, making faith an exciting and meaningful adventure. God Bless, and hope to see your family on Sunday.
 
Pastor Bob