What's So Great About Loyalty?

Why is loyalty one of, if not the most, desired characteristic of a true friend?

A story is told about two men were traveling together from the northern border of Washington into Canada. As they were hiking along one day, they were suddenly met on their path by a bear. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other man, unable to climb or flee, right then and there made decision to fall flat on the ground, for he quickly remembered being told from childhood that bears would not touch something that appeared dead. Sure enough, the bear came up to him and felt him with his snout – smelling him from head-to-toe. As the bear made inquiry of him, the frightened man held his breath and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. In one last motion, the bear placed his snout next to the man’s ear, whispered something, and then walked off. When he was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

Loyalty is a characteristic that must lie at the heart of every sustainable relationship. Even in the business world, the whole idea of “loyalty economics” has become a multi-billion dollar enterprise for corporations and brand names to create lasting relationships with their clients. Companies will go to great lengths to make and retain repeat customers to buy their products.

Why is this so important you might ask? If you went into a store to buy a can of corn, let’s say, and you decided to try out a new brand that was on sale…chances are, that corn is being bought and sold at very little profit simply for the purposes of getting something new into the hands of consumers. At the same time, if you, the customer, bought the sale corn and discovered a dead insect in it, there’s a strong chance that you would never purchase that brand again. Conversely, however, if you found that same insect in a can of corn whose brand you’ve known and trusted for many years, you’re likely to be repulsed, but not repelled from buying it again. Why? Because of the loyal relationship that has been developed through the years. If this can be said of groceries, blue jeans, and automobiles, it must be all too true of meaningful relationships among people!

Yet, what does loyalty look like?

Loyalty’s hands are gnarled and calloused from constant laboring.
Loyalty’s face is creased with the wrinkles of experience.
Loyalty’s back is muscular from years of load bearing.
Loyalty’s eyes are perceptive of reality, yet full of unique wisdom.
Loyalty’s heart beats with both warmth and strength for its true friends.
In short, loyalty is the bedrock that unshakable, authentic relationships must be built on.

In your worship this week, think about the loyalty that exists for those who are in Christ: both the relationship we enjoy with Jesus and the relationship the Father has with the Son. Craft your daily worship habits in such a way as to act in greater loyalty to those you have relationship with. Also, contemplate on what it might take for you to become faithful as God is faithful.

Resounding Themes:

Unchanging God
Steadfastness
Reflecting Jesus
Authentic Community

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- Who is the most loyal person you know? Relate a circumstance when their loyalty towards you produced an amazing result? Are you a naturally loyal person?

- Who is you best friend in this life? Why? Can you point to a single circumstance in you relationship that solidified this bond, or was it a series of circumstances that has grown and matured it? Are you able to share everything with this person? Even the darkest parts of your makeup that no one else knows? If not, what keeps you from being fully known by them? If you have, what has sharing in this way done for you?

- How is it possible for a friend to be able to love at all times? Are there times when you are unlovable? Your friends? What truth under girds all true friendships? Is it true that brothers and sisters are necessary during times of adversity? Relate a time when you’ve found that to be all too true.

Ready, Set, PRAY

Yahweh…even to type Your true name brings awe and terror. Yet, in as much as the ancients could not bring themselves to fathom such a feat, we now have the confidence to call upon You fully – with both fear and adoration. You God were faithful Abraham, You were faithful to Moses, You were faithful to David, and You are still faithful today. We worship You Yahweh! Your loyalty to humankind is measurable only by the bond of Your Covenant. For as You speak Truth, O God, that Truth is as reliable as bedrock - as is the cornerstone. Lord, any ability we boast in this life to be loyal to others is a direct reflection of Your model to us. Grant us the constancy of a faithful heart. In times of adversity, may we serve as anchors for those in distress. And as we experience that dark night of the soul, would You surround us with loved ones that are willing to go the distance with us. We pray to a faithful God, through a faithful Son. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!