Loyalty: A Forgotten Virtue in a Fractured World
Loyalty—an unwavering commitment to a person, cause, or principle—is one of the noblest yet rarest virtues in today’s shifting world. The word traces its roots to the Old French loial, meaning “legal, faithful, or honorable,” which in turn comes from the Latin legalis, meaning “lawful.” But loyalty, at its deepest, is more than lawfulness—it is a steadfastness of heart even when circumstances change.
One powerful biblical instance of loyalty comes from the life of King David. In 2 Samuel 23, his soldiers broke through enemy lines to fetch him water from Bethlehem. Moved by their devotion, David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out before the Lord, recognizing their loyalty and valuing their lives over his thirst. That gesture honored not just the sacrifice, but the spirit of loyalty behind it.
Today, such loyalty is a rare commodity. In an age marked by consumerism, shifting alliances, and self-interest, many have forgotten the cost and beauty of remaining true—to God, to relationships, to calling. Even in sacred spaces, loyalty is often replaced by ambition, convenience, or offense.
Tragically, the kingdom of God suffers because of this. The enemy no longer only attacks from outside—he sows seeds of disloyalty from within. Disloyal thoughts disguised as “discernment,” or subtle whispers that encourage mistrust, can dismantle teams, divide churches, and distract disciples.
The call to loyalty is not outdated; it is essential. God remains loyal to His people. He calls us to mirror that same faithfulness in our walk with Him and with one another. For the mission to flourish, loyalty must be reclaimed—not as duty, but as devotion.
Until the next…
