Mike’s Musings …                                               Loyalty

   It is strange how animals often teach us humans valued lessons. A friend of mine told me he and his wife had to “put down” their cat the other day. While I am not a great cat lover, I can empathize with his story. His wife had had this cat before she had him, and the bond was tremendous. He said that the cat was “fiercely loyal” to her and would weep if left behind for any reason. His wife was so distraught over the necessity to end her cat’s suffering, he had to have his wife treated for anxiety! Now that’s loyalty!

   Animal lovers understand that story! From the usual pets of dogs or cats to the farm animals used for 4-H to more exotic pets, the owner and pet develop a loyalty that when ended is destructive to the psyche of the human. We simply miss it and find it near impossible to replace!

   I muse on the LOYALTY between God and His children. Few ever question the loyalty God has toward them, as they quote Hebrews 13:5 as a “prooftext” defending their conviction that God is always present with them. What of the reverse: what of our loyalty to Him? Are we always serving Him?

   All too many seek some excuse to “justify” their truly disloyal actions. “Company came … couldn’t go.” “Didn’t feel well enough to go … but had to work, … just didn’t think I could make it through an hour of bible study.” “Oh, I know all about that subject he was going to preach, so I don’t think I missed anything.” “It ain’t gonna hurt my soul to miss on a Sunday night or Wednesday.” Oh yes, there is a multitude of other excuses, all well documented! But not one is considered a statement of loyalty to God!

   Muse on this question: What if Christ had been as loyal to God the Father in doing His will, as you are in proving your loyalty to God? (comp. John 5:30) Would you die to obey Him? He died for you! Would you suffer for Him? He suffered for you! Would you endeavor to make a compromise, or offer an excuse? Christ Jesus never did any of these. Instead, “He committed Himself to Him that judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:25)

    Another word for “loyal” is “dedicated,” especially when considering how we/people are loyal to one another, and in this context, how loyal we are to God. Muse on that word “dedicate” and consider its definition: “devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose: ZEALOUS.” Now examine Paul’s words to Titus: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2: 11-14)