Introductory Thoughts
Man’s loyalty must be first and foremost directed toward the Lord; however, an aspect of one’s loyalty to the Lord also involves a certain loyalty toward man. At times, these loyalties might conflict. During those instances, each person should heed the words of Simon Peter when he admonished, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). When one’s loyalty to God does not conflict with any loyalty toward man, the Lord admonishes men to be loyal toward one another. When Moses placed his honour upon Joshua, he did so in order to encourage obedience, respect, and loyalty on the part of the people of God. In similar fashion, the Lord has crowned man with glory and honour (Psalm 8:5). As such, the Lord has naturally put within man a desire to be loyal toward the Lord and others.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God expects children to love, respect, and obey their parents. This was so important, God had Moses write it as the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12). Jesus taught it (Matthew 15:4). Paul taught it (Ephesians 6:1-2). In addition, Jesus offered a great example when He was growing up (Luke 2:51).
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(For everyone): Why should children be loyal to their parents? Why should parents be loyal to their children? Why should husbands be loyal to their wives, and wives to their husbands?
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Are you loyal to others? If you are a child, are you loyal to your parents? If you are an adult, are you loyal to your boss, spouse, government, and pastor when such loyalty does not conflict with loyalty to God?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for the honour He has placed on man.
- Ask God to strengthen your loyalty to others.
Song
WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
