Loyalty Creates Loyalty

Most people long for loyalty in love, war and work. You can require loyalty and you may see some response, or you can show loyalty, and thus become attractive to loyalty. When you give loyalty you have a much better chance of receiving loyalty. This is true in marriage, business, parenting, or friendship.

In marriage, how do you think unwavering loyalty makes your spouse feel? If he or she knows you are loyal to them no matter what, how will they respond? In most cases they will return loyalty, and the both of you will enjoy a tremendous amount of security and peace. Adversity or difficulties should not weaken your loyalty; rather it should strengthen your resolve to be there for each other. Can you think of a better gift to give someone during difficult times? The quality of your relationship goes to a deeper level.

The work environment is another opportunity to exercise loyalty. A business owner or supervisor should first look at giving loyalty, rather than demanding loyalty. Will you be there for the employee during the down business cycle, as you have been when everything was going well? What can they expect from you? Will you be consistently honest or just when it is expedient? Wise leaders create a culture of loyalty. It means you care. It is a two way street that invites reciprocity. So, where does loyalty begin?

Loyalty begins by recognizing, understanding and receiving God’s loving loyalty. Way beyond what we have asked for or deserved, He is loyal. The Lord’s loyalty transcends my sin, my poor choices and my pride. Like the father of the prodigal son He is there. Even when I mope back to him embarrassed and beaten down, Jesus remains loyal.

The intensity and thoroughness of God’s loyalty makes the loyalty of a Saint Bernard or a Golden Retriever look shallow. He is there to receive you back even when you are disloyal to Him.  Once you recognize and understand the depth and breadth of God’s loyalty to you, you can’t help but to extend loyalty to others. You are secure in Jesus.

You are compelled to be loyal to another, because of God’s great loyalty to you! How can you do anything else? You become a loyalty maker, rather than a loyalty breaker. People trust that you are with them, that you believe in them and expect their best. You give them the benefit of the doubt. Be loyal, and there is a good chance you will receive loyalty, for loyalty creates loyalty.

Has God ever been disloyal to me? How can I remain loyal to the Lord and others?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 31:6-8; 1 Samuel 22:14; Luke 15:11-32; Philippians 4:3

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?

How will I respond?