What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Being synonymous with loving-kindness, loyalty also carries a strong sense of mutuality.  If loving-kindness is demonstrated toward you, then the same can be expected in return.  Loyalty is repaid in kind.  That  David understood the implication associated with che'sedh is evident in his words:  "I shall laud   your name."  Why? "Because of  your loving-kindness and because of your trueness."  (Psalm 138:2)  As a recipient of Jehovah's loving-kindness, David was obviously moved to worship and praise him.  Hence, as we contemplate Jehovah's demonstration of loving-kindness toward us, are we moved to reciprocate?  For instance, if Jehovah's name is reproached, does your concern for his reputation motivate you to speak up in his defense?

That was what happened to one relatively new Christian and his wife when they attended the funeral of a relative who had been killed in a motorcycle accident.  It was a non-religious service, and those in attendance were allowed to say something about the deceased.  One speaker proceeded to blame God for this young man's  untimely death by saying, 'God wanted him in heaven, so he took him.' Our Christian brother found it impossible to remain silent.  He stepped up to the podium, even through he had neither Bible nor notes.   "Do you think a merciful and compassionate, almighty God approves of situations like this?"  He asked.  He then proceeded with a ten-minute impromptu discourse with Scripture quotations explaining why we die, what God has done to  rescue mankind from death, and the marvelous prospect of a resurrection to everlasting life on a paradise earth.  The more than 100 people in attendance broke out in extended applause.  The brother later recalled:  "I felt an inner joy that I had never felt before.  I thanked Jehovah for educating me in his wisdom and for giving me the opportunity to defend his holy name."

Loyalty to  Jehovah includes loyalty to his Word, the Bible.  Why? Because through the pages of the Bible, Jehovah teaches us how to live.  The laws and principles recorded therein are indeed the finest and most beneficial precepts for life.  (Isaiah 48:18)  Do not let pressure from others or your own weaknesses cause you to deviate  from adherence to Jehovah's laws.  Remain loyal to God's Word.

Next time: Conclusion of  Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Watchtower, 2001