Tag Archives: 2 Timothy 1

Our call to loyalty

 

Everyone values loyalty. Both good and bad leaders want loyal followers. People from all stations of life long for loyal friends. We want others to be loyal to us, but what about our loyalty? We’re called to a life of loyalty, but not just in a “you watch my back and I’ll watch yours” way. We’re called to be loyal to truth and to God’s call on our lives. But how do we measure up? Sometimes, that’s another matter, because loyalty comes at a price. It costs selfless dedication to someone or something other than our own interests. Loyalty demands sacrifice when we prefer comfort.

 

If we’re really interested in having our lives marked by loyalty, we encouraged to consider the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 1. The call on your life and mine is to remain loyal, “in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” (V 1)

 

I invite you to join me in looking inward as we consider some of the marks of loyalty:

V3 A clear conscience, and devoted prayers
V4 Real joy in sharing together with God and with others
V5-7 The building up of each other’s faith and the encouragement to seek God’s gift of power, love and a sound mind
V8 Loyalty is not ashamed. Rather it joins others in suffering.
V9 Loyalty pursues holiness and spreads grace.
V12 We can (and should) be loyal to God “because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
V14 Above all, loyalty guards the truth, that one thing that guides our daily priorities and decisions.
V15 The loyal person perseveres and does not abandon the faith.

 

How loyal are we really to God and to the people he puts in our path? How loyal are we really to the true essence of our faith, compared to everything else that calls for our attention and devotion?

 

Loyalty comes at a price but also with blessings. Persistent and uncompromising loyalty to God’s true call on your life is a secure deposit on your future. It’s the only thing we have to offer of any merit, a humble and obedient faith that perseveres through thick and thin; that keeps keen focus on the goal, undistracted and unentangled from the things that distract us.

 

Loyalty comes at a cost and with a blessing. Loyalty matters. Maybe it’s the only thing that matters. It’s faith – always expressing itself in love.