Title: Loyalty: A Godly Quality

Introduction.

Psalms 103:8-12 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Loyalty is a character issue

In Psalms 103:8-12, we witness the compassionate and gracious nature of the Lord, as Christians we are called to show that loyalty not only to God but also to man. Loyalty is not just a superficial virtue but a matter of character that every man needs to develop.

When individuals fall away from or leave God, we often observe them quickly distancing themselves from Christian friendships. This tendency highlights the connection between loyalty to God and somone’s loyalty to people. If someone is unfaithful to their commitment to God, it should not come as a surprise that they may also struggle with being loyal to others.

A lack of loyalty to people, show man’s lack of loyalty to God

When people develop negative attitudes towards others within the church, it can create a separation between them and God. This separation often stems from unresolved bitterness towards fellow Christians. Instead of being loyal to follow the biblical teaching on resolving damaged relationships, individuals may choose to leave God while carrying the burden of unresolved conflicts.

Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Matthew 5:22-24 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15-17 provides guidance on resolving conflicts within the church, emphasizing the importance of addressing faults directly and seeking reconciliation. However, unresolved bitterness can hinder the process, leading to fractured relationships and a weakened loyalty to both God and His family.

By recognizing the impact that loyalty can have on our relationships with God and others, we are called to prioritize resolution, forgiveness, and commitment.

God is loyal, so must we his followers

God is loyal to us through good times and bad times, and as His followers, we are called to imitate this quality by being loyal to Him and His family. One of the defining characteristics of a Christian is the love we have for one another, which encompasses loyalty, regardless of what others do to us or what we perceive them to do.

John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 

In John 13:35, Jesus instructs His disciples that their love for one another will be the distinguishing mark of their discipleship. Our loyalty is not based on whether our friends, leaders, or housemates deserve it, but rather on our commitment to imitate God’s faithfulness and love.

Loyalty stands in stark contrast to behaviours and attitudes that undermine it. This includes:

1. Slander
2. Gossip
3. Betrayal
4. Lying
5. Complaining
6. Grumbling
7. Pulling back our hearts
8. Criticalness
9. Bad attitudes

All these are the opposites of loyalty. These negative behaviours erode trust, and hinder the unity and effectiveness of the body of Christ.

This study aims to illuminate the path of loyalty and guide us in embodying this godly quality towards one another. 

Point 1. The Determination of Loyalty.

Ruth 1:8-19 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband. ” 

Then she kissed them and they wept aloud and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people. ” 

But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me–even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons– would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me! ” 

At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. 

“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her. ” 

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. ” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 

So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi? ” 

Ruth’s example of loyalty

The story of Ruth in Ruth 1:8-19 exemplifies the principle that loyalty is a decision rather than merely an emotion. In this passage, Naomi, who had lost her husband and two sons, urged her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to return to their homes in Moab. She expressed her desire for the Lord to show kindness to them as they had shown kindness to her and her deceased family members. Overwhelmed with emotion, both Ruth and Orpah wept and expressed their willingness to accompany Naomi back to her people.

However, it was Ruth who ultimately clung to Naomi and refused to leave her side. While Orpah made the difficult decision to return to her people and her gods, Ruth’s loyalty shone through her determination. 

Loyalty is a decision not an emotion.

Ruth’s loyalty serves as an inspiring example to us today. It demonstrates that loyalty requires a conscious decision and commitment, even in the face of adversity and challenging circumstances.

In our own relationships, we can draw valuable lessons from Ruth’s example. Firstly, we should never give up on a relationship too quickly. Instead, we should persevere, seeking opportunities to spend time with our friends, disciples, old mentors, and family group members. Secondly, we should resist the temptation to follow the examples of disloyalty displayed by others. Instead, we ought to prioritise loyalty and make a deliberate decision to be faithful.

Who have you not been loyal to?

Loyalty can be better described as giving your heart to someone. Conversely, being disloyal can be described as pulling your heart back or being in a constant state of turmoil, angst, and negativity towards a person or even towards God. It is a choice to withhold our trust and commitment, leading to fractured relationships and a lack of unity.

In our various relationships, it is important to assess whether we feel a sense of harmony. Do we experience unity and agreement with those we live with, our spouse, fellow church members, and our mentors? 

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urges believers to be perfectly united in mind and thought, emphasising the importance of agreement and unity within the body of Christ. 

Furthermore, loyalty challenges us to examine our own actions and attitudes. Have we used the sins, character flaws, or shortcomings of others to justify our own sinful behaviour? Justifying our own wrongs by pointing out the faults of others is a disloyal and destructive mindset. True loyalty calls us to take responsibility for our actions, seeking forgiveness and growth, while remaining committed to the well-being and success of those we are loyal to.

What decision can you make today to change this?

Relationships take lots and lots of hard work, and great ones take even more hard work. Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to invest time and energy. Satan seeks to undermine loyalty by tempting us to turn away from God and His family. He desires to see us trapped in a state of disloyalty, which leads to bitterness, isolation, and a broken relationship with God and others.

It makes him mad when we are loyal as it is a spiritual quality he does not have. Satan, being the embodiment of rebellion and disloyalty, is enraged when he sees individuals living out loyalty. 

Revelation 12:17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring —those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Point 2. The Devotion of loyalty.

2 Kings 2:1-6 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” 

But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 

The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today? ” 

“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.” 

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” 

And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.

The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today? ” 

“Yes, I know,” he replied, “but do not speak of it.” 

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” 

And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. 

Loyalty is tested more in our relationship with our mentor

Whether it is as a wife to your husband or towards whoever God has placed in your life as a mentor. Loyalty plays a crucial role in these mentoring relationships. It is within these connections that loyalty is put to the test and reveals the depth of our commitment.

Similarly, in mentoring relationships, loyalty is directed towards those whom God has appointed to guide and teach us. Whether we realise it or not, God places individuals in our lives to give guidance, wisdom, and accountability. It is essential to recognise and embrace the importance of loyalty in these relationships, as they involve a process of teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Difficulty because of vulnerability

Our spiritual mentor brings up our flaws and weaknesses, helping us reveal our sins: pride, anger, insecurities, immaturity, and others. Though it can be challenging as others confront us with areas where we need growth, but it is through this exposure and vulnerability that true growth can occur.

The quality of our relationship with our mentor has a significant impact on our lives. If this relationship is strained or unhealthy, it can hinder our personal growth and hinder our effectiveness in fulfilling God’s purposes. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise and invest in making the relationship with our discipler strong and healthy. We should not buy into the lie that the relationship cannot change. Instead, we should be devoted to making it great, seeking reconciliation, open communication, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow.

Learning from Elisha’s relationship with Elijah.

Elisha’s relationship with Elijah provides valuable lessons for us to learn and apply in our own journey of discipleship. When Elisha learned that Elijah was going to be taken to heaven by God, he did not distance himself or shy away. Instead, he wanted to be by Elijah’s side until the very last moment, regardless of the outcome. Such was his love and loyalty towards his mentor. This willingness to stand with Elijah, even in the face of uncertainty and potential danger, reflects the level of commitment we should exhibit in our discipleship relationships.

Elisha’s devotion to Elijah was so profound that he could not bear to discuss the fact that his mentor was leaving him. When Elijah was taken from Elisha, he affectionately called out, “My father! My father!” This heartfelt cry reveals the genuine love and reverence Elisha had for Elijah. Elisha’s response exemplifies the respect and honor we should have for those who have poured into our lives.

2 Kings 2:12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

Elisha’s devotion to Elijah stemmed from a deep appreciation for all that Elijah had done for him. Elijah had transformed Elisha from being a nobody into one of the most significant prophets of all time. 

Point 3. The Decision of Loyalty.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 

To be loyal is to be loving, being un-loyal is simply being unloving.

Jonathan’s ability to love David as himself was rooted in their deep spiritual connection. They became one in spirit by sharing the same purpose, convictions, dreams, and lifestyle. This level of unity and understanding formed the foundation of their loyalty towards one another. It reminds us that loyalty is not simply an emotional response but a result of shared values and shared life.

Jonathan took a significant step in solidifying his loyalty towards David by making a covenant with him. This covenant was more than a mere agreement; it was a deep decision made with accountability before God. Being one in spirit with another person may require time and shared experiences, particularly in the context of facing battles together. Loyalty is cultivated through the journey of overcoming challenges and growing together. Have we made that decision with the people we need to be loyal to? 

Loyalty honors other above yourself

Loyalty is rooted in the willingness to honor others above yourself, setting aside selfish ambition and embracing humility. Jonathan despite being King Saul’s son and the heir to the throne of Israel, he recognized that God had chosen David to be the future king. But despite this, Jonathan’s loyalty to David was not hindered by his own position or ambitions. He understood that loyalty requires placing the interests and well-being of others above our own, even when it means surrendering personal ambitions and preferences.

Philippians 2:3-6 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

This minset in Philippians 2:3-6 is exemplified by Christ Jesus, challenging the notion of self-centeredness and self-seeking in relationships. It serves as a guiding principle for loyalty, reminding us to emulate the humility of Christ in our interactions. Loyalty requires recognizing and honoring the worth and potential of others, irrespective of our own perceived superiority. It calls us to reject the temptation of pride and embrace a humble posture that values and uplifts others.

Disloyalty is found in our own selfishness

Disloyalty can manifest when individuals prioritize their own desires and goals over what God intends for their lives. Loyalty necessitates aligning our desires with God’s will, surrendering personal ambitions to embrace His plans. It requires a willingness to support and celebrate the destiny and greatness of others, even when it surpasses our own.

Despite knowing that David was destined for greatness, Jonathan was content and supportive. This calls us to celebrate other’s victories, growth and ambition and contribute to their success without envy or resentment.

Point 4. The Details of Loyalty.

Loyalty always protects.

1 Samuel 19:1-7 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan was very fond of David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out. ” 

Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason? ” 

Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death. ” 

So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before. 

Jonathan and David shared a deep and warm relationship, marked by their mutual support and encouragement. They spoke well of each other, even when the other faced criticism or persecution. This demonstrates the loyalty that extends beyond personal interests and actively defends the honor and reputation of those they are loyal to. To be loyal means not only being warm and supportive but also actively defending others against criticism. Jonathan’s response to Saul’s unjust criticism and persecution of David in 1 Samuel 20:24-34 exemplifies this aspect of loyalty. 

When someone slanders or speaks negatively about another person to you, it reveals a character issue. A person who slanders others in your presence is likely to do the same about you when you are not around. 

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

At its core, loyalty is rooted in a determined decision to love someone unconditionally, regardless of their actions. It is a steadfast commitment to their well-being and best interests. When we choose loyalty, it never fails to bring about the outcome God desires and fulfills our own needs. Loyalty leads to trust, deepens relationships, and fosters an environment of security and protection.

Loyalty looks to meet their needs not yours.

1 Samuel 20:1-4 Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?” 

“Never!” Jonathan replied. “You are not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without confiding in me. Why would he hide this from me? It’s not so!” 

But David took an oath and said, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, ‘Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.’ Yet as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.” 

Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.” 

Loyalty entails a selfless focus on meeting the needs of others, listening attentively without allowing their struggles to negatively affect us spiritually. David in this passage faced a problem, and Jonathan actively listened to him. In cultivating loyalty, we must develop the ability to genuinely listen to others, empathising with their struggles and concerns. Jonathan’s response to David’s plea exemplifies the attitude required in loyalty. He wholeheartedly said, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). 

Disloyalty is found in having expectations for other’s loyalty

One common pitfall in relationships is expecting others to meet our needs without reciprocating in kind. Loyalty challenges this mindset and calls us to shift our focus from what we can receive to what we can give. This is particularly relevant in relationships with leaders, spouses, and mentors, where mutual support and care are crucial. Loyalty involves recognising that meeting the needs of others is just as important, if not more so, than our own needs.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

In our pursuit of loyalty, it is essential to remember and apply God’s principles. By adopting a mindset of generosity and seeking to meet the needs of others, we not only bless them but also open ourselves up to God’s blessings. Loyalty aligns with these principles, demonstrating the power and effectiveness of selfless giving.

Loyalty focussed on making others spiritual, not simply encouraging others. 

1 Samuel 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. 

Loyalty goes beyond providing mere encouragement and instead focuses on helping others find strength in their relationship with God. Jonathan’s support for David serves as an example of guiding others to rely on God rather than relying solely on human relationships.

Jonathan played a pivotal role in helping David find strength in God rather than in himself or their relationship. Instead of becoming a crutch for others, loyalty directs them towards a reliance on God, encouraging prayer and the sharing of scriptures to admonish one another spiritually. This approach fosters a deeper spiritual growth and dependency on God rather than on human relationships alone.

In true loyalty, the focus is not solely on providing encouragement but also on challenging one another to grow spiritually. Great relationships are marked by more than just positive affirmations; they involve constructive criticism and accountability. 

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Loyalty recognises the importance of challenging and refining one another, pushing each other towards spiritual growth and maturity.

Unfortunately, some individuals seek relationships that do not challenge them but merely offer a listening ear or, even worse, agree with their sinful behaviour. Loyalty, on the other hand, refuses to enable or condone ungodly actions but instead seeks to guide others towards righteousness. Loyalty discerns the difference between offering support and affirming sinful choices, ultimately prioritising the spiritual well-being and growth of others.

Point 5. Dare to be loyal.

2 Samuel 1:26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. 

The passage above is taken from David’s lament after Jonathan’s death serves as a reminder of the courage and vulnerability required to be loyal. It challenges us to dare to be emotionally close to others and to give them our hearts both privately and publicly.

David and Jonathan dared to be close, forming a deep emotional bond. True loyalty involves opening ourselves up to others, sharing our innermost thoughts and feelings, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. It is a courageous act that deepens relationships and fosters a sense of connection.

People often find reasons to justify why they cannot be loyal. 

One common justification that stops deep loyalty is that many think others do not “deserve” loyalty in their eyes. However, true loyalty is not based on deserving but on a commitment to support and stand by someone, even in challenging times. The saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed” reflects this principle. Loyalty is demonstrated when we show our support and love to others, especially when they are going through difficult situations.

True friendships prove their worth and love especially when we do not deserve it, not just when we do. This mirrors the unconditional love and grace that God extends to us as Psalm 103:10a explains.

Psalms 103:10a he does not treat us as our sins deserve

Conclusion:

In conclusion, loyalty is a godly quality that requires a determination, a devotion, a decision, details, and a daring heart to be loyal. Loyalty reflects God’s character and for Christians it is a must to imitate that heart. It requires a sacrificial heart to love even when they don’t deserve it as well as a constant commitment to prioritise others’ well-being above our own. To conclude this article, we will end with a short poem: 

Footsteps in the sand poem:

One night a man had a dream. 

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. 

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from his life. 

For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. 

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. 

He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. 

He also noticed that it happened at the 

very lowest and saddest times in his life. 

This bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. 

“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. 

But I have noticed that during the most 

troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. 

I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.” 

The Lord replied “My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. 

During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you.” 

Let us make a decision to be as loyal to others as God is to us!