Loyalty is often a lost art today. To see an athlete play their whole career with one team is a rarity. Although I am not a Yankee or Jeter fan, I do have to admire him for his loyalty to one team his whole career. There are those who “take the money and run” whenever it suits their fancy.
This past weekend two events came to mind as I thought back on what to write. These events pictured loyalty.
First, I was given the privilege and honor of performing the wedding of a young couple. Tiffany, who is from OVCF, met her husband over nine years ago at church camp. For me it goes deeper than just a wedding though. Tiff’s father died 5 years ago and she has allowed me to be her “father figure” these past few years. So there was a little more emotional attachment for me. I’m glad she has Bob and firmly believe they will make a beautiful life and God-blessed marriage together. When you think about it, the whole wedding idea is about loyalty, love, and commitment. They pledged their loyalty to each other with “I will keep myself for you and for you only as long as we both will live.”
Second, Jo & I went to our local theater to see Jersey Boys. Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons were and still are one of my favorite groups. One element stood out: Frankie’s loyalty to his childhood friend,Tommy DeVito. Tommy owed quite a bit of money to a loan shark (the mob) and it had to be paid back. Frankie was willing to take on close to a million in debt to stand with his friend. I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to ruin it for you, but suffice it to say it was not a popular move. (BTW- if you plan to see the movie be forewarned: there is a lot of rough language. Lots)
Loyalty in marriage. Loyalty in friendship. Jesus wanted loyalty and warned Peter about his soon-to-be lack of it. He still calls for it from us today.
How would you say your loyalty is these days?
I some ways I am very loyal to others, to brands, to routines. In some other ways, I fall short when I feel hurt or let down or frustrated.
Logical response Daniel when let down. I imagine though you are a friend’s friend when you are needed to be.
Loyalty is something that marks the Christian life. I’m not sure all my actions are completely loyal to our Father, but my heart is fiercely loyal and strives to keep all actions loyal to He who loved me first.
That’s a great word.
I think you are right Floyd. It does mark the Christian life. Thanks for the comment.
Like Daniel, I too find myself loyal in some cases and fickle in others. My hope and prayer is that my loyalty to Christ never wavers, although I admit there are times when I let Him down by not actively standing up for His cause.
i wish i could say my loyalty was always there, but I can’t. Too much of me still in the way.
Hi Bill! I am a very loyal person, but sometimes that loyalty comes with a tired spirit. So…it looks good on the outside, but not on the inside. I think that’s the constant struggle for me.
Congrats on the marriage of a person so close to you. I’m sure she was so happy to have you officiate!
Blessings,
Ceil
I think you are not alone Ceil. Loyalty does come often with a tired expression, and in my case, not always with the best motives. As for the marriage, saw them tonight and she was beaming. She gave me a huge hug. 🙂
We stayed one time too long in a ministry because of loyalty toward the people even though there was sin going on in the leadership. God in His unique way moved us out of that church. To had stayed would have been disloyalty to what that Word teaches. Loyalty contrary to what the Word teaches is being disloyalty to Him. We have let our “feelings” get in the way a few times with this thing of loyalty. This is a good post brother, good to be reminded to ask ourselves who are we being loyal to…if it’s God there will be lot less mistakes where we place our loyalty. God will certainly use our mistakes in this area to teach us His take on loyalty.
You bring up a good point Betty. Sometimes loyalty can be detrimental. Takes a bit to figure out which is which and what is going on. Good word. Thanks
I’m loyal to my family, friends and special bloggers.
🙂
I don’t have any close friends here in Las Vegas, I think the closest friend I have right now is my mother, so my loyalty to her is, hopefully, spot on. 😀