Loyalty

<<faithful allegiance>>

This is being trustworthy to honour commitments and obligations outworked through respect, support and love.

It is not forced submission nor blind allegiance through being committed to others regardless of their spiritual walk; rather we are to have a clear understanding of Scripture and the mind of the Lord. This particularly applies to spiritual leaders over you who, if they start to deviate from the truth and fall into deception, should be challenged from Scripture, then if things do not alter you should move out from that situation and influence for “Can two people walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

Kingdom of God by placing a higher priority on it than on our own affairs, and remain loyal in that commitment, the necessary things of life will be given to us (Mt 6:33). God‘s loyalty is assured for those who walk with Him (Deut 7:9; Rom 8:35-39). May this be a true statement, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15). Don’t be distracted from full commitment to Christ or be tempted to turn back when the going gets tough (Lk 9:62). We are not promised an easy life; rather that Jesus, through the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, will be with us until the end of time (Mt 28:20; Act 14:22). Christ remained steadfast to the end to purchase our salvation; He remained dedicated to His mission on earth. Am I fully committed to Christ or do I change my loyalty, swapping my allegiance to someone or something else when problems arise, a better option comes up or whatever is most convenient and least demanding in a given situation?

David was wholeheartedly devoted and loyal to God – “Tell me where you want me to go and I'll go there” (Ps 86:11). We must serve God rather than man – our allegiance is to God first, then family and other people (Lk 12:51-53; Act 5:29). Paul said he was not disloyal to the heavenly vision but obediently was doing his best to fulfill it (Act 26:12-22). Those who are disloyal to God’s authority, and show disrespect for others are operating from an independent spirit.

Loyalty to church and family should be characteristic of Christians. It is also an important aspect of a genuine friendship (Prov 3:3, 17:17; 1 Cor 13:7).  Can my friends rely on me?

comes a parting. The Israelites were challenged, “How long will you waver between two opinions” (1 Kgs 18:21). Where is my loyalty directed; towards the things of this world which will perish or do I have an eternal prospective (Mt 6:19-21; 1 Jn 2:15)? Anyone who is a friend of the world is an enemy of God (Jas 4:4). The direct words of God to us are, "You shall have no other Gods before [besides] me" (Ex 20:3).

Further Biblical examples of loyalty

1/. Ruth was loyal and devoted to her mother-in-law, insisting she would stay with her regardless of the uncertain future (Ruth 1:14,16,17). Through divine providence, this dedication ultimately led to her to becoming the great-grandmother of King David and a direct ancestor of Jesus.

2/. King Saul tried on several occasions to kill David. In contrast David, even when he could have killed Saul in two instances, refrained (1 Sam 24:4-6, 26:11,12,23). David believed Saul was God’s appointed king for that time and though he himself had been anointed as the replacement did not take matters into his own hands but was prepared to await God’s timing. This allegiance extended even after Saul had died, with David speaking a blessing on the men who had respectfully buried his body (2 Sam 2:5).

3/. Zadok and his sons remained loyal to David’s kingship when it appeared others were trying to seize the throne, yet in the end, it was clear they had made the right choice (1 Kgs 2:35). Be cautious of a person who is regularly changing allegiance, their loyalty is shallow.

4/. Paul speaks of those who were loyal in supporting him in the ministry as well as those who were disloyal and deserted him (Phil 4:3; 2 Tim 1:15).

See also: commitment, cross, dependable, devotion, faithfulness, idol/idolatry, submission, trustworthy, Zadok