How to Become a Reliable Human

Among all the people you know, which one of them can you truly depend on? When you think about that person, what spiritual quality comes to mind? Chances are it is reliability.

Reliability means being trustworthy and dependable. When we are reliable, we follow through with tasks we agreed to do without forgetting or having to be reminded.

When we’re reliable, others can count on us. We do what we have promised with care, and others can have peace of mind knowing things are in our reliable hands. A reliable person finishes his or her tasks on time, but if any obstacle interrupts their plan to finish on time, they find another way to get it done.

The Baha'i teachings praise reliability, and encourage everyone to develop and practice it as a spiritual virtue. Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, wrote in his Advent of Divine Justice that a Baha'i life requires “an abiding sense of undeviating justice” which includes honesty and reliability:

"This rectitude of conduct, with its implications of justice, equity, truthfulness, honesty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trustworthiness, must distinguish every phase of the life of the Baha'i community.
We can all be reliable by taking our tasks – and our commitments – seriously. Here are a few helpful strategies to make that happen..."