Faithful

“I will approve of those who are faithful to God and will let them live in my palace. Those who are completely honest will be allowed to serve me.”  – Psalm 101:6, Good News Bible

From a personal perspective, David shows remarkable commitment in this psalm not only to live a perfect life before God but also to shepherd God’s people in a perfect way.

But he also knew that it was not enough; to succeed as a leader, he needed to find faithful and loyal people to work with.

So, David deliberately handpicked men with different giftings who would faithfully play significant roles for the proper administration of his kingdom over the 40 years of his reign.

Unlike some of us today, David did not want to gather mere ‘yes men’ around him – bootlickers or puppets who would simply bow down to worship him.

Take for instance, Joab, his long-serving army commander, who remained fiercely loyal and faithful to David from beginning to end, though he was also independent-minded character who often rubbed his boss the wrong way.

There was also Benaiah, a valiant warrior who led David’s personal guard (SFC) and later became a key figure under Solomon. His unwavering loyalty was evident in his military exploits.

Zadok and Abiathar were high priests who faithfully stood by David during his struggles against Saul and were trusted advisors throughout his reign.

Then there was Ittai, the Gittite, a foreigner who showed remarkable loyalty to David.

When Absalom revolted against the king, many of David’s supporters deserted him.

However, during that tumultuous time, Ittai remained steadfast.

David, recognizing the risk Ittai faced by continuing to follow him, initially told Ittai to return to Jerusalem.

Ittai’s response demonstrated his unwavering loyalty: “I vow by the LORD and by your own life that I will go wherever my lord the king goes, no matter what happens—whether it means life or death” (2 Samuel 15:21).

Every successful leader does need as many ‘Zadoks,’ ‘Joabs’ and ‘Ittais’ as he/she can possibly find.

Yet, in our contemporary world, which preaches personal growth, freedom and individual rights, loyalty and faithfulness are rare qualities.

People are encouraged to focus on what makes them ‘happy’ and ‘fulfilled’ rather than stay with spouses, employers, or commitments that don’t serve their personal needs any more.

Additionally, a general societal trend of mistrust in institutions—like governments, corporations, and even social structures like marriage and the Church —can make people wary of committing their loyalty.

I meant the media is awash with numerous stories of scandals that have led many people to feel that their loyalty might end up being ‘wasted years’ and so the faint-hearted hesitate to offer it at best or throw in the towel at the slightest opportunity at worst.

Yet, loyalty is absolutely important. It fosters a mutual sense of trust.

When members are loyal, they are more likely to support each other and the leader, thus creating a stable environment where goals, purposes and destinies can be achieved.

A loyal team member will stand by the leader during difficult times, helping to navigate challenges and crises.

Loyal people can inspire others to remain focused and engaged.

The Bible says faithfulness and loyalty won’t go unrewarded.

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4).

As our meditation verse today suggests, the qualities of faithfulness, loyalty, fidelity, allegiance – are ‘royal traits’; in the palace is where they belong!

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