“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

In this verse Paul was exhorting Timothy to find men qualified to teach others what he had taught Timothy.  Being qualified to teach wasn’t enough though.  He had another requirement.

He wanted them to be reliable.

Something that is reliable is something that can be relied on to do what it’s supposed to do.  For example, a reliable car gets you from point A to point B without breaking down.

A reliable man is dependable, someone who can be counted on.  A reliable man is someone who can be given responsibility without worry that he will “drop the ball”.

Here are a few examples of what it looks like to be a reliable man.

• He can be relied upon to keep his word, even when it hurts (Ps 15:4 NIV).  If he says he’s going to do something, he does it.  You believe him when he talks.
• He can be called on for help.  He’s a go-to guy.  He can be counted on to bear others burdens.
• He perseveres without giving up.  He finishes what he starts.
• He shows up on time and is prompt to get back to you.
• He can be trusted to manage delegated responsibility.  If you give him a task you know it will get done.

Anyone can consume a message, but who can be entrusted to take what’s been heard and teach others?  Anyone can talk about discipleship, but who’s reliable to do it?  Who can not only start well, but end well, faithfully passing on to others what he received, day in and day out, to the masses or the few?  Who can be entrusted to reliably show up to make disciples?  Who is the man that God can trust to get the job done?

Are you that man? 

Are you a reliable man?

(Image Credit: National Library of Scotland)