Loyalty is one of those old-fashioned words we don’t hear very often and don’t use very often. It carries with it an idea of allegiance and faithfulness to a person. That person sometimes might be an authority figure, or it may be an equal. The most important one we must be loyal to is the Lord. He has given us so much and promises so much more; it is only reasonable that we would be loyal and devoted to Him. Once that loyalty is established, each of us must choose our other loyalties wisely. Here are some thoughts to consider:
A loyal person does not undermine authority. He would never try to sway people to his opinion, nor would he take advantage of the blessings of the position he had been given, whether great or small. A loyal person does not make his opinion seem better than what the leader says to do. We must all remember that our opinions are not the most important. We are each responsible for how we react to the given instructions. Likewise, it is important for children to learn not to be bossy. They must remember that they are not the parents or the teachers. Whether you are a child or an adult, if you are not the king, do not act like one. Making yourself look better, more considerate, or more caring than the leader or authority is wrong. You should point to and build up the leader’s reputation. Make him or her look good. No one should be able to see or hear you because all they see and hear about is the leader.
A loyal person also knows whom to be loyal toward. He will choose to follow wise leaders, but he will also find friends who do right. As parents, we must encourage our children to look for positive character traits while making friendships. We must actively involve ourselves in our children’s choices, because those friends hold great influence. Once a good friendship with a worthy individual is formed, encourage your child to be loyal and to defend that friend.
In the Bible, a young prince named Jonathan is an excellent example of loyalty. He was in line to take the throne, but God revealed to him that his shepherd friend, David, would be the next king instead of him. He defended and protected David, even when it meant he had to go against his own ungodly father, King Saul.
After many years passed, King David had a son of his own named Absalom. When he grew to adulthood, Absalom demonstrated no allegiance to King David. Absalom wanted the kingdom to be his kingdom, run his way. Unfortunately, when we choose to be disloyal, we pay a much higher price than we bargained for. If Absalom had known what it would cost to be the king of Israel, he would not have attempted a takeover. We may choose to make ourselves look better than our authority or to go behind that person’s back so we can accomplish what we want to instead of following our leader. When we do what we think is best and not what the leader said, we propel ourselves into trouble and the consequences that occur. Loyalty is not always the easy path, but it comes with great rewards.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” I Samuel 12:24