The Bible teaches that it is required of a steward to be faithful. Loyalty is a basic requirement for stewardship and true blessings; we therefore want to explore the levels and types of loyalty.
Loyalty exists on multiple levels and manifests in various forms. At a basic level, loyalty can be driven by transactional benefits, while at higher levels, it involves emotional connections, engagement, and advocacy. We (the church) must strive to draw people into the highest levels of loyalty to God and the fellowship of brethren.
The church has a responsibility to help each other to rise in our levels of commitment. We are committed to offer nothing less than “till death do us part” commitment. We must therefore strive to rise in levels and depth in our loyalty towards the church and the things of God.
We must all be aspiring for the highest level of loyalty, “till death do us part” commitment.
The highest loyalty, “Till death do us part” loyalty, in this context, signifies a lifelong commitment to God, the faith, and the church, with the promise to remain together until death separates us. It represents a dedication to loyalty and unwavering support throughout life’s journey, including sickness, poverty, and even in the face of death itself. This is the type of loyalty that held up the hands of the early apostles who remain loyal soldiers to the cross. Nothing could separate them from the cause of Christ and the cross.
1. Transactional loyalty:
This refers to loyalty that exists because there is a transaction. If you do this for me, then I will do that. This is when people reward you with loyalty as long as they are receiving a reward or payment from you.
2. Fair weather commitment:
This is the level of commitment that people demonstrate when everything is going well. There are people who will remain loyal as long as you are enjoying the sunny days of your life; but will vanish into thin air when you hit a bump or there is a storm or you have problems.
Most people will remain loyal if it does not cost them much. They stay committed when life is on the mountain. There are friends that will remain loyal to you as long as they are doing well for themselves. There are people that remain loyal when they are doing better than you. Though they wish you well, they don’t wish you better than themselves.
3. Situational LOYALTY:
This is loyalty based on unavoidable proximity. This is when there is nothing more to do to survive except to depend on you. Most of us were loyal to our parents until we were often old to fend for ourselves. We grew independent and distant as we grew in capacity and in resources. This is the type of commitment people show until a better opportunity shows up. Many people will leave you if they have better and promising opportunities.
4. Fraternal loyalty:
This refers to the strong bond of affection, trust, and mutual support that exists between individuals, particularly those who are members of a fraternity or have a close, brotherly relationship. It encompasses a spirit of camaraderie, solidarity, and unwavering support for one another, often extending beyond the immediate group or family.
5. Lastly, “Till death do us part” loyalty:
This is the unconditional level of loyalty, where I can count on you no matter what.
May the Lord help us all to arrive there! No matter where you are, may the Lord help you to climb up!
