A Closer Look At Loyalty

Meaningful relationships are something I think it’s safe to say we all desire; whether it is with our spouse, friends, co-workers and most importantly our God. As I read through the passages in Samuel, there were so many relational characteristics and qualities that jumped off the page; loyalty being the key ingredient and setting the foundation. Let’s take a closer look…

“For the Lord was with David” think about those words. They imply a relationship. As believers, we know how constant our God is. He proves this over and over. The deeper you allow your relationship to go with the Lord, the more His "being with us" is evident. But, what I love is that David was loyal in return. Out of that foundation he was bestowed favor. Look how many times Saul tried to have him killed…or better yet tried to do the deed himself. Yet, all to no avail.

Let’s look at Jonathan. Scripture tells us that when he and David met, “there was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” The relationship the two of them shared is perhaps one of the deepest and closest recorded in the Bible. Why is this?

1) They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other.
2) They let nothing come between them, not even career or family.
3) They drew closer to one another when their friendship was tested.
4) They remained friends to the end.

What is the underlying foundation…loyalty. Not just to one another but also to their God. We read in scripture over and over where they repeatedly renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. I believe this is key not only for relational survival but ultimate success. What they shared was Divine. How could it not be something so much more than a simple acquaintance when the foundation was God? Two hearts surrendered to The King in loyal fellowship with one another. Beautiful…absolutely beautiful.

Now, let’s take a minute to look at Saul. Yep, there's even something we can take away from Saul. You might wonder what in the world he could have been loyal to but that’s just it, he was loyal…just happened to be to himself. And out of that, there were several qualities and characteristics he portrayed. None desirable but they were there just the same. He was selfish, envious, insecure and that’s just to name a few. Because of the favor God bestowed upon David there were many times that rocked Saul. He wasted so much of his reign trying to destroy/remove that which he was so threatened by. The sad part of it all is he could have easily had that which he envied most. Instead he allowed it to enrage and the void would consume him. All it would require…a loyalty shift from self to God.

Father God, help us continue to build upon the rock that is You. May our hearts forever be loyal to our first Love. Help us Lord when we begin to waiver. When self begins to take over allow us to recognize and repent before damage is done. Father, we thank you for all those that you have placed in our lives that we can freely share this life with. Those who strengthen, encourage and stand by us no matter the personal cost. Lord help us continue to develop deep, meaningful and loyal relationships. Hearts joined together in spirit and truth, both of which are of You, are an unstoppable force. All for Your glory and to further Your kingdom. Amen.

~ Terica