loyalty

Having pastored for well over thirty five years, I have learned a lot about ministry and people. No matter how much you do for people, no matter how much you freely give them, it does not always produce loyalty. What I have learned is that loyalty must not be the motive for loving people.
2 Corinthians 5:14 Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.
I was never raised to be a character that loved and cared for people. There were eight people in my family and you had to connive to get a second porkchop. Sometimes I felt we were a pack of wolves feeding all together on a small rabbit. I would do things for people and give things but I expected something in return. I did not know of any other way to live, but one day Jesus came into my heart. It's amazing how something you cannot see or touch can have such a profound impact on your life. God is love and when Jesus enters your life He brings the love of God. It is very difficult to define or describe love but it can be demonstrated. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Love is the desire to benefit others at the expense of self. Selfishness is the desire to benefit self at the expense of others.

Love created an opportunity for all men who were doomed to hell to change their destiny. Most people who accept God's offer for redemption become loyal but some are grateful for only a season. What all men need to understand is that when God initiates a relationship, He wants fellowship every day of the world. Christianity is hard on sinful flesh and some go back and walk no more with the best thing that ever happened to them. God will still love them, but on account of their lack of attention He can do little for them.

Proverbs 20:6 Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?

A lot of people will promise to be forever grateful but they do not always keep their word. True loyalty must be demonstrated, words of commitment don't always translate into substance. When Pilate offered Barabbas in Christ's stead, the multitude wouldn't have it. They cried out for the crucifixion of Jesus. Now you know that Jesus had healed a lot of those people that were calling for His death. Jesus healed them, even raised some from the dead and they were grateful until the priests and leaders convinced them that Jesus must be crucified. Stephen did great wonders and miracles among the people, but they stoned him and he became the first martyr in the new covenant. The truly loyal people to Christ will be positioned for all the blessings God spoke over Adam.

Luke 12:42 Who is that faithful and wise steward (manager) whom his Lord shall make ruler over His household?

Can the unfaithful expect God to bless them with all His love? I don't think so! God loves all men but not all men will be the recipients of His manifested love. God will do things for a tither He won't do for others. Not all believers live under an open Heaven but God loves them all the same. Why should anyone be loyal to God? If God did not send His Son Jesus to die in our place we would be scheduled for eternity in hell. Jesus is the only one who can save us, we can't do anything for ourselves. God deserves all of our praise, everyday.