Loyalty
The word loyalty is bashed around in many corners, sometimes by those you work
with and sometimes those who claim to be friends. Loyalty is not a word to be taken
for granted, or to be used for convenience either by those who say it, or to those
whom it is intended.
A recent lesson from this word, I personally have learned was painful, but it was
overshadowed by the blessing of loyalty by the members of our local parish, Good
Shepherd of Belleville. For these last 9 ½ years, the members have shown and given
loyalty to the work that we have done, and continue to do so. They also did this with
their patience of seeing their leader gone, sometimes for as long as a month. They
kept the spirit alive and the door of the church open.
Loyalty is not the mere words of presentation, it is a course of action seeking the
best. Loyalty must never be given blindly, or just to get something done. Loyalty is
character.
Many have questioned Peter’s and Judas' loyalty to Jesus because of their betrayal
of him. One can make an argument that is was the purpose of what they did that they
were born, their disloyalty carried with it the consequences of repentance and from
this we have learned.
Loyalty has always had its down side. The ultimate sacrifice of Christ for us has not
gotten the loyalty that is has deserved. His constant pleading for us at the right hand
of his father still bears questions about our loyalty to him. We, who travel on this
earth, will constantly find a method to argue loyalty, hopefully one day we shall
understand it all.
In this writer's opinion, loyalty has 4 steps.
1. Trust
2. Respect
3. Commitment to each other, or whatever you are involved in together
4. Being there for each other, no matter the circumstances.
It is always a shame when great friends run off when the other has difficulties, or find
time to destroy the reputation of the other. This bears no fruit, just anger, and self
destruction. Former congressman Duke Cunningham of California found this out first
hand. What he did was wrong, but many of those who enjoyed the fruits of his ill
gotten gains ran off to protect their world throwing years of loyalty with Duke out the
window. Poor Duke could not find one of his loyal friends to give the Judge a word
on his behalf at his sentencing.
H.G Wells once wrote, "Friendship is expensive, loyalty carries even a higher price."
We must find out in the repose of friendship what loyalty really means to us. If we
give it, let it carry the trust, respect, commitment and love for each other, so that life
with its short span can be one of joy and not discomfort.
Watch how you go this week.
+Hartley
The word loyalty is bashed around in many corners, sometimes by those you work
with and sometimes those who claim to be friends. Loyalty is not a word to be taken
for granted, or to be used for convenience either by those who say it, or to those
whom it is intended.
A recent lesson from this word, I personally have learned was painful, but it was
overshadowed by the blessing of loyalty by the members of our local parish, Good
Shepherd of Belleville. For these last 9 ½ years, the members have shown and given
loyalty to the work that we have done, and continue to do so. They also did this with
their patience of seeing their leader gone, sometimes for as long as a month. They
kept the spirit alive and the door of the church open.
Loyalty is not the mere words of presentation, it is a course of action seeking the
best. Loyalty must never be given blindly, or just to get something done. Loyalty is
character.
Many have questioned Peter’s and Judas' loyalty to Jesus because of their betrayal
of him. One can make an argument that is was the purpose of what they did that they
were born, their disloyalty carried with it the consequences of repentance and from
this we have learned.
Loyalty has always had its down side. The ultimate sacrifice of Christ for us has not
gotten the loyalty that is has deserved. His constant pleading for us at the right hand
of his father still bears questions about our loyalty to him. We, who travel on this
earth, will constantly find a method to argue loyalty, hopefully one day we shall
understand it all.
In this writer's opinion, loyalty has 4 steps.
1. Trust
2. Respect
3. Commitment to each other, or whatever you are involved in together
4. Being there for each other, no matter the circumstances.
It is always a shame when great friends run off when the other has difficulties, or find
time to destroy the reputation of the other. This bears no fruit, just anger, and self
destruction. Former congressman Duke Cunningham of California found this out first
hand. What he did was wrong, but many of those who enjoyed the fruits of his ill
gotten gains ran off to protect their world throwing years of loyalty with Duke out the
window. Poor Duke could not find one of his loyal friends to give the Judge a word
on his behalf at his sentencing.
H.G Wells once wrote, "Friendship is expensive, loyalty carries even a higher price."
We must find out in the repose of friendship what loyalty really means to us. If we
give it, let it carry the trust, respect, commitment and love for each other, so that life
with its short span can be one of joy and not discomfort.
Watch how you go this week.
+Hartley