Understanding Loyalty

2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” (NKJV).

If you look around you, will discover a scarcity of loyalty both in the world and among Christians, the reason being that there is very little teaching and literatures on the subject. It also implies that it is not part of the pillars of our current society. In recent times, because of the financial crisis, we can see that a lot of businesses are now investing in training on ethics, integrity, leadership etc. Also, in church circles we are observing a degree of emphasis given to leadership and integrity. This is a good development. The emphasis on loyalty however is still at its infancy and has not yet hit the spotlight. From observation, I have discovered that most of the tension and lack of commitment among believers today is as a result of little or no understanding of loyalty. Furthermore, I also noted that loyalty has, most of the time, been a bottom to top approach i.e. from follower to leaders and not top to bottom i.e. leaders to followers. I believe it is a combination of the two that will culminate in the glorious church. God’s approach has always been from top to bottom when it comes to loyalty. God first shows His loyalty towards us and then He asks us to reciprocate and also show it to others.

Definition – Loyalty, what is it? It is an unswerving devotion to a person or a thing. Please note that loyalty and faithfulness is not the same thing. Faithfulness is having faith or believing in someone but loyalty is devotion to someone. You may believe in something but you may not be devoted to it. For example, I believe watching football is good entertainment and a good way to unwind but I am not a devoted football fan. Whereas a devoted football fan will do anything for the cause of football but I will not.

The essence of Loyalty, why is it important?

Stability

It makes for the release of God’s power to act on your behalf

It is the responsibility that opens you up to certain benefits

It strengthens you for boldness in the face of adversity – Hezekiah in the time of sickness

It initiates and strengthens covenant – God and Abraham

It fosters growth

It forms a basis for lasting trust (David against Goliath)

It is one of the redemptive names of God – Jehovah Shammah

For Further Study

Acts 2:46; 1 Samuel 16:7, Isaiah 38:1-9

Personal declaration for the day

I walk in loyalty, both towards God and man.

Questions for you to reflect on

Do you consider yourself a loyal person?

Why is loyalty important to you?