LOYALTY: AT WHAT COST?

“For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13b (KJV)

It is common place to hear people declare “I AM LOYAL” to others, especially to people they respect or expect favours from. Loyalty, however, is not usually discerned in mere words.

GOD’S UNIVERSAL GRACE

“Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

God’s grace that brings salvation has been freely provided for everyone on earth. The only thing that sets us apart is that we have accepted it, while those who are yet to be saved have so far rejected it. Everyone on earth needs salvation, and salvation is available for everyone,

LOYAL EMPLOYEE

“And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”  Colossians 3:23(KJV)

When Paul speaks of slavery, he refers to all forms of employment. Slavery is used as it was the lowest form of employment at that time. As demeaning and condescending as slavery was, Paul encouraged employees to represent God in their service to their employers irrespective of how they were treated by them. He reminds them that the same level of perfection is demanded of the free and the bond.

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE

Scripture: Titus 2:7-8

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

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Worldly leadership usually involves “doing what is said rather than what is done”. The same people who create laws for others to follow are the ones who break them without any regard for the law. This is why there are reports of embezzlement, corruption and scandals involving people highly placed in society. However, this is not the standard of God. God expects every leader to lead by example.

BE A TEACHER

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”  2 Tim 2:2 (KJV)

A pool which only receives water but does not give out will eventually stink and reek. In the same way, the life of anyone who is just satisfied to listen to messages without any impact in his life and without passing the same message on to others, will eventually become stale. You were saved so you can save others, and you are being taught and trained to become a teacher to others.

STOP REBELLION

Scripture: Titus 1:10-16

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft….” 1 Samuel 15:23a (KJV)

No matter who you are or what you are doing in life, there will always be people who will oppose you. Even in the church of God, there will always be those who will rebel against the church leadership. These people are usually quick to point out what cannot be done or how things should be done even when they will not lift a finger to act. Their interest is in themselves and not the church or its vision. These are the people who must be silenced.

QUALIFICATION FOR LEADERSHIP

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

“But solid food is for mature people, whose minds are trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrew 5:13 (ISV)

The major problem in the world today is that of leadership. Though there are many people in the office of leadership, there are only a few who are actually leaders.