Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? (Proverbs 20:6)
Grandpa used to say that when there is a difference between what a man says and what he does, he had learned to go with what the man does. Sadly, a gap (sometimes a sizeable one) between commitments made and commitments kept is all too frequent. “You can count on me….”
You can count on me to love, honor, and cherish. That is what we vow when we marry. That is what God requires (Ephesians 5:22-23), “until death do us part.” The husband commits to a lifetime of self-sacrificing love, care, and provision for his family. The wife commits to a lifetime of love, respect, and submission to her husband. But alas, even among some Christians, “You can count on me” proves an idle boast. Self-centeredness, anger, dishonesty, laziness, and lust come to be the reliable traits. The importance of getting to know a prospective mate well, learning all you can about his/her spirituality and character, cannot be overemphasized.
You can count on me to do the job. That is what we say to the company that hires us. We are committing to consistent, quality work, “not with eye service… but with sincerity… heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-24). Yet today’s employers say reliable workers are “scarce as hen’s teeth.” One man told me he often hires a crew of ten, hoping six or seven will show up. This is what we say to those who ask us when we agree to contact a visitor, teach a class, or so some work at the building. They are depending on us. Are we trustworthy?
You can count on me to pay the bill. That is what we say every time we make an extended purchase, whether signing a lease, ordering utilities, taking out a loan, or using a credit card. That creditor expects you to keep your word. So does God (Matthew 5:37; Romans 13:8). If you do not have the means to pay, you have no business making the commitment. Bankruptcies and defaults in our society are at an all time high. Do not be deceived into viewing that as anything except what it is — a shortage of trustworthy people.
You can count on me to keep the appointment. That is what we say when we agree to meet another at a given place and time. Not to show up is a personal affront. Tardiness is inexcusable. It is an irksome habit, born of inconsideration and is easily preventable. Some of us are continuously late for the services of the Lord even though they have always been held at the same time. This is not only inconsiderate and disruptive to those who have arrived on time, it is inconsiderate to the Lord.
You can count on me to live as befits a disciple of Christ. Isn’t that what we say to the Lord when we are baptized into Him, when we are appealing for the forgiveness only He can provide (1 Peter 3:21)? Doing the Father’s will is what He requires, not empty claims of devotion Matthew 7:21-23). That is the standard by which we will be judged. Conduct yourselves in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).
– by Frank Himmel
