" LOYALTY "

What are you loyal to, my dictionary defines Loyal as: 1)faithful in allegiance to one's government 2)faithful esp. to a cause or ideal : constant. " YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GOD'S BEFORE ME. YOU SHALL NOT WORSHIP THEM OR SERVE THEM; FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD, AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS ON THE CHILDREN, ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO HATE ME " (Exodus 20:3,5). Ask yourself a question, are you consistent in your loyalty to God? OK let's take a look back into the Old Testament for a moment. Despite Israel's disobedience, God showed his great mercy by raising up judges to save the people from their oppressors. Mercy has been defined as " Not giving a person what he or she deserves". This is exactly what God did for Israel and what he does for us. Our disobedience demands judgment! But God shows mercy toward us by providing an escape from sin's penalty through Jesus Christ, who alone saves us from sin. When we pray for forgiveness, we are asking for what we do not deserve. Yet when we take this step and trust in Christ's saving work on our behalf, we can experience God's forgiveness. Remember to whom your loyalty is when you are challenged, and therefore in a stressful situation recognize " We are the servants of the God of Heaven and Earth." It is not always easy to speak up for our faith in an unbelieving world, but we must. the way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance is to him first, people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won't be effective. God is our leader, and his rewards are most important. So don't be intimidated. Let others know by your words and actions whom you really serve. True unity, however, cannot be forced - it must be the free response of willing hearts. If you want the Loyalty of say employees, children, or anyone else in your charge, win their respect through love instead of trying to gain their submission through force. The Lord says: " I DELIGHT IN LOYALTY RATHER THAN SACRIFICE " LAST POINT: Inquiry, what kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty (loving " at all times " ) see (1 Cor 13:7) - being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages. I can honestly say that I have some very loyal Friends/Prayer Partners. Until Next Time... Jim,