What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

Conclusion of Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization.  Necessarily, 0ver the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding of certain Scriptures.  The fact is that no one is as spiritually well fed as we are.  (Matthew 24:45-47) Unquestionably, Jehovah as stuck with his  modern-day organization. Can we not do likewise?  A.H. Macmillan did.  Shortly before his death, he said:  " I have seen Jehovah's organization grow from a small beginning, when I dedicated myself to God at the age of twenty-three in September 1900, to a worldwide society of happy people who are zealously proclaiming his truths. . . . I am convinced more than ever before, as I see the end of my service to God on earth approach, that Jehovah has directed his people and given them just what they needed at the proper time."  Brother Macmillan served faithfully and loyally  for nearly 66  years, until his death on August  26, 1966.  He was a fine example of loyalty to God's visible organization. In addition to being loyal to the organization, we will be loyal to one another?  When faced with the threat of brutal persecution, will we remain loyal to our brothers and sisters?  During World War II, our brothers in the Netherlands set a fine example of loyalty.  An elder from the Groningen Congregation, Klaas de Vries , was subjected to cruel, merciless interrogation by the Nazi Gestapo, placed in solitary confinement for  12 days with only bread and water, and then questioned again.  With a revolver pointed at him and under threat of death, he was given two minutes to divulge the whereabouts  of responsible brothers, as well as other vital  information.  The only thing Klaas would say was:  "I will not become a traitor."  Three times he was threatened with the revolver. Finally the Gestapo gave up, and Klaas was sent to another prison.  Never did he betray his brothers.

 Will our loyalty extend  to our closest relative-our marriage mate? Even as Jehovah honored his covenant relationship with the nation of Israel, are we loyal to our wedding vows?  More than being  unswerving in allegiance, actively pursue a close relationship with your mate.  Take the initiative to make your marriage secure.  Spend time together, communicate freely and openly with each other, support and encourage each other, listen to each other, laugh together, cry together, play together, work together to achieve mutual goals, please each other, be friends.  Be especially careful to avoid developing romantic feelings toward others.  While it is right and proper to develop acquaintances and even close friendships with others outside of your marriage, romantic feelings should be limited  to your mate.  Do not let anyone else come between you and your mate. -Proverbs 5:15-20.

Remain loyal to believing friends and family.  As the  years pass, do not forget  them.  Keep in touch, write, call, visit.  Wherever life's path may lead you, try not to disappoint them.  Make them happy to say that they know you or are related to you.  Loyalty to them will keep you strong for what is right and will be a source of encouragement for you. -Esther 4:6-16.

Yes, true loyalty includes positive action to preserve precious relationships.  Do what you can to repay Jehovah's loving-kindness.  Imitate Jehovah's loyalty in your dealings with the Christian congregation, your marriage mate, family and friends. Loyalty proclaim Jehovah's virtues to your neighbors.  The psalmist had it right  when  he said:  "Jehovah's   expressions of loving-kindness I will sing about even to time indefinite.  For generation  after generation I shall make your faithfulness known with my mouth."  (Psalm 89:1) Are we not drawn to such a God?  Indeed,  "his loving-kindness is to time indefinite." -Psalm 100:5.

Next time:KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life

Watchtower, 2001