Covenant Over Convenience
As a man who loves Jesus and values the people in my life, I have been thinking a lot about how we treat the people and commitments in our lives.
We live in a consumer world where we are taught to toss things away the second they get tough or boring. Phone slows down or breaks? Get a new one. Friend group acting up? Ghost them. But as born-again believers filled with the Holy Spirit, God calls us to live by a completely different standard, one built on loyalty and commitment.
It is easy to be a loyal friend or partner when everything is fun and smooth. But real commitment is not assessed in the good times, it is proven in the fire, when things get hard.
Biblical loyalty is based on a covenant, a serious, heart level promise not just temporary feelings. Jesus promised that He would never leave us or walk away from us:
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
When we choose to stay loyal to the people in our lives, even when our lives are not turning out the way we wanted them to, when it is hard and complicated, we are reflecting the exact same love Jesus shows to us.
Let us be honest: being patient, forgiving and loyal in our own strength is tough. People will hurt your feelings, and you will be tempted to give up on them.
That is where the Holy Spirit comes in! When you are filled with His Spirit, He produces real fruit in your life. Fruit that includes faithfulness. You do not have to muster up loyalty on your own. When you ask the Holy Spirit for help, He gives you the grace, love, and patience to stick by people and forgive quickly protecting your relationships from the dreaded Drama Lama!
When we, as men and women of God choose to stand firm in our commitments, it stands out in a huge way. Your loyalty to your friends, your family and your faith becomes a powerful witness to everyone around you.
Let us decide today to be a people who keep our word, honor our relationships, and love an agape love like Jesus does, unconditionally and continuously.
Walter Blackwood
No One Stands Alone Foundation - Mentor
Bringing Hope One life at a time!
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