The world is watching and waiting for people to trust and to depend on - waiting for men and women who are prepared for whatever the next period may bring, be it an opportunity or a challenge. They are the ones who carry the capacity to provide accurate solutions and execute plans. These are choice individuals endued with uncompromising values that we can count on in the midst of these perplexing times. People who cherish and live with reliable things. Now,  what are these reliable things? Let us be reminded that the only reliable thing in this world that we can depend on are the love of God and His Word

As others live through the obscurities of life, we have some who rose from the dead and became light through the darkness; a strength for the faint-hearted and voice for those who wander. Reliability is the name of the game. A value best exemplified by men and women of unwavering commitment, indefatigable consistency and unquestionable faithfulness on what they say, do or think.
Reliable people possess unwavering commitment. They do not fail those who depend on them. They would go through the fire of mêlée without leaving others in the heat of the battle. They are willing to make selfless sacrifices as they go down and they serve others disregarding their own titles, status or even reputation.

In addition, reliable men and women are indefatigably consistent in excellence regardless of varying demands from the same people they help. First and foremost, they excel in service because their mindset is not only to work for God but they allow God to work through them. Second, they are commendably consistent because God’s skill directs them and His might empowers their inmost being to complete every task anytime and anywhere. In their stillness and confidence on God, they find their strength. They are indeed dependable because they depend on God.

Moreover, individuals who are reliable retain unquestionable faithfulness. They are faithful to God, their family, agency and fellow people. They are steadfast on what they believe they ought to do according to the will of God and the One who appointed them. They have an unalienable possession in the love of God, family, country and fellowmen. Their devotion to the people and service were woven in the fabric of their very being which can never be obliterated or extracted. Thus, everyone is reminded of the faithful God whose goodness is incomparable and His loving-kindness is always available.

As the world lives through these perilous times, reliable people who rely on God, on His love and in His word will see us through. There might be a mountain-pass with its sharp flints around but through their lives’ testimonies, we will surely be led to a fruitful valley. We are taught to depend and inclined to keep in step with the divine pace. The nest might be stirred up, but with trust, an individual might acquire the powers of flight. So, let us absolutely rely on God and become reliable persons in such a time as this. (JVS, CRFV)
  

Interdependence is defined by Collins Dictionary as the condition of a group of people or things that all depend on each other. Based on that definition, we can say that an interdependent relationship is one in which two or more people rely on each other because of diverse capabilities with the aim of helping satisfy one another’s needs, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is also natural that when we are young, we are dependent to our parents or to our legal guardians for personal support. As we grow mature, such attitude of dependency should remain in us, no longer for personal satisfaction and support, but for a greater and noble purpose. We should continue to learn to live and work with people around us rather than doing and living alone. We must recognize the fact that we are not “jack of all trades”.

Not only is interdependence foundational to societal living, it is also the intention of God to us.  We were given different gifts, skills, and talents in order for us to effectively function, equip others, and serve one another for the common good. We are like different parts of one body wherein we operate interdependently. An eye cannot say to the ear “I do not need you”. An ear cannot say to the nose “I do not need you”. This principle applies to all other parts of the body. If we are of one body, we should therefore connect and function together in one accord.

Taking for example the Israelites in the olden times, they lived in a close-knit society. This spurred by the fact that they came from one lineage. When they were liberated from slavery in Egypt, they travelled, lived, and worked together as one large community. Even though they were in diaspora, they continued to function interdependently through trade and industry. Such practice remained to this day and even to other countries around the globe. We, Filipinos, are also included in the list. We have the “bayanihan” culture. It was an age-old tradition that we still observe to this day. We come together regardless of blood relation in order to help a family in need. This is who we are as Filipinos.
​
All the more that we understood how to be interdependent in these difficult and challenging scenarios. Our fellow citizens are learning that interdependence is needed in order to overcome and outrun the current COVID-19 situation. One perfect example that is currently being implemented and adapted by many is the concept of the community pantry. Is there one in your community yet? Can we see the spirit of interdependence through this? Its essence, practicality, and mechanics are simply one of the best expression of interdependence. An avenue for giving to those who have and a way for those who are in lack to get by. Who have ever thought that interdependence is complicated? It is not and is actually simple. It is an act that springs forth from one’s innate compassion for others. How to do it will automatically follow. Who else must initiate and participate in such projects apart from us? The opportunity to take action is right in front of us. Let us grab and hold on to it. ​(CD, CRFV)

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less,” says C.S. Lewis, a British writer and author of “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Also, humility is meekness and lowliness. It is more on an inner attitude than an outer one - a person may display an outward appearance of humility but can have an arrogant heart. In God, each one’s heart is evident, and He says, I oppose the proud, but I give grace to the humble. Such might shed some light on why people fell and disgraced due to having a haughty heart. Pride leads to destruction and arrogance to downfall.
 
The Scripture in Philippians chapter 2 encourages each one to have the same attitude of humility that Jesus Christ had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God the Father. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges and took the humble position of a servant. In His humanity, Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, the Father exalted Him to the place of highest honor, and at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue declares that He is Lord. Accordingly, the life of humility of Jesus resulted in triumph over the works of darkness and His exaltation. Jesus said, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled before others, and he who habitually humbles himself will be exalted”. Indeed, to go up is to go down.
 
According to Forbes, the following are the habits of people exercising humility: they are situationally aware, they retain relationships, they make difficult decisions with ease, they put others first, they listen, they speak their minds, they take time to say "thank you", they accept feedback, they assume responsibility, and they ask for help. These habits might be a good start for us to practice daily some sort of humility before our colleagues, families, and friends as we ask God in prayer to help us have the attitude of humility Jesus had.
 
 Furthermore, difficult situations, problems, and life crises might be ways humility is taught and obtained. Wherein we are compelled to humble ourselves before God to seek His favor, blessing, and protection. Besides, perils in life make us realized head-on that we need other people’s help and we cannot live on our own. In implication, let us constantly humble ourselves before God by trusting him and be humble before others by not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought. It is in humility or going down that God lifts us up. (CRFV, LCM)
 

‘Value for work’ is the significance we ascribe to what we do that consequently influences our  attitude towards how we carry it out. It is how we give importance to the work entrusted to us. It goes with the attention we render, the talents and skills we employ, the resources we spend, and the energy we pour out. How we view our individual work in relation to its impact to the organization, agency, or business determines our value for work regardless of area of function.  If we duly consider the adverse effects of haphazard work and the benefits of an excellent work, naturally, we will do what is required or expected of us.

In terms of public service, laws were enacted and rules were issued to promote or ensure excellence in government service. Among others are the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, the Administrative Code of 1987, and the Civil Service Rules that penalize any act of inefficiency in government service. On the other hand, employers in the private sector were also empowered to dismiss their employees for acts inimical to the operation of their business upon compliance to the requirements of due process.

However, excellence should be observed in all fields of endeavor beyond compliance to legal mandate or inducement. Most of the time, it starts with an established connection between what the individual highly value and the work they do that often takes most of their waking hours. If there is a lose connection between the two, the tasks become more of a monotonous schedule rather than a daily activity that contributes to positive outcomes of the agency or office. Also, not losing sight of the answer to “why we do the work that we do” fuels the significance or value we attribute to our work. Ascribing value to our work makes a meaningful difference in many ways such as:

• We see our work as an important piece of the puzzle. Hence, we sharpen ourselves to ensure that we contribute our quota effectively and efficiently towards the achievement of the agency’s vision, mission and goals.
  
• We value the people above us, around us and below us knowing that the success of the office can never be a solo project. Regardless of position, we esteem others better than ourselves.
  
• We produce a work that adds value to others especially our clients, as we make every task an opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of others.

 
Moreover, we are encouraged that “whatever we do, we work heartily as for the Lord and not for people”. If the latter becomes the driving force, our value for work is grounded on gaining recognition, glory and gold. And when these are not achieved, we sometimes underrate what we do and life at work becomes less meaningful. This should not be the case.
As we ponder on the ‘value for work’ this week, may we find ourselves back into the path of doing our best for God in everything we do “for it is He who works in us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him”. By doing so, we will learn to regard our work and the people at work in the same manner as God sees them. (AOS, CRFV)

Let us declare before ourselves, “We are created in the image and likeness of God. As God is the God of faithfulness, we also must possess faithfulness.”
 
Faithfulness is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God that we must possess and cultivate especially in these trying times. It comes from within as a result of His presence in our lives.  Numerous accounts in the Bible, even in our daily lives, prove how faithful our God is in fulfilling His promises. Remember the accounts of Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, and all others who have proven God’s faithfulness? During the time of Abraham, God promised him that he will be a father of many nations, and true enough, different nations can be traced from his loins. Joseph’s God-given dreams were fulfilled in his life as he became a key figure for the survival of God’s people during the years of drought and famine. He himself, though has experienced hardship and sufferings, had a first-hand experience of God’s faithfulness as his honor, integrity, and relationships were redeemed. Daniel, though in a foreign land, and whose life is on the edge for refusing to bow down before an idol, was spared from the mouth of the lion through God’s faithfulness, as it was written, “All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth to those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.”
 
As God’s children, let us examine the different areas that we must guard and apply faithfulness:

1. Faithfulness over our Resources and Talents Like Abraham, he gave back to God whatever God allowed him to possess. These, called ‘tithing’, is an act of worship to God, as it is written, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it" As for our talents, we are called to cultivate, develop, and multiply it. Whatever our gifts and skills are, we ought to use it to glorify God as these are only entrusted to us. Be it in our agency, in our community, or within the family, use it to help others whenever we have the opportunity to do so. Be it in a small way or a grand way, be faithful in utilizing these.
2. Faithfulness with our Relationships Like Joseph, honor our relationships with deep respect and love. Joseph, although tempted by Potiphar’s wife, did not give in as he valued his relationship with Potiphar and his reverence to God. In addition, he did not forget, condemn, nor sought revenge on his family even though he was already at the top of the echelon in Egypt despite being sold by his brothers as a slave.  Faithfulness with our relationships also include our faithfulness to our spouses. They are our help-meet and our covenant partners in fulfilling God’s mandate in our lives.
3. Faithfulness to God, His Words and Promises Like Daniel, let us not bow down to the different idols in this world nor go with the flow of sinfulness, corruption, and selfishness. Enrich our inner being with His words and precepts so that sin will not have any place in our hearts. Trust God with all of our being and allow Him to lead our lives. We lean not on our own understanding nor our own wisdom because it is limited compared to God’s. Be inspired and encouraged reading the Holy Scriptures as God’s faithfulness will be revealed and unfolded. Hardship or challenges may come but hold on to God, do not lose faith, and surely help will come from Above.

 
Looking back and reflecting in our lives, we can have a recount of God’s faithfulness. A recount where we can say, “God has not forsaken us,” “God responded as we called upon His name,” “God is faithful and true,” and “Great and beyond measure is His faithfulness!” Indeed, great is Thy faithfulness, oh God! (CGLG, CRFV)