LOYALTY TODAY DOES NOT MEAN LOYALTY TOMORROW.

LOYALTY TODAY DOES NOT MEAN LOYALTY TOMORROW. 
Scripture: Luke 4:13, 2 Samuel 15:13-14. 
Topic:Loyalty today does not mean Loyalty Tomorrow. 

The fact that you are faithful today does not mean that you will be faithful tomorrow. A Christian needs to be loyal because the devil does not go on vacation. Jesus overcame the devil in the wilderness.The Bible teaches us that the devil went away for a season and not forever. The devil will leave you for a while but not forever.

"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."

Luke 4:13

At different times in the history of King David’s reign, he had sons who tried to usurp his authority and take the throne. The first time it happened, a young man named Absalom was involved in the conspiracy.

"And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword."

2 Samuel 15:13,14

In this particular instance, Joab, David’s army commander, was loyal and fought against Absalom. He was so zealous that he even killed Absalom when David was crying for mercy for his son. This was a great display of loyalty to the cause of the King.

"And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak."

2 Samuel 18:9,10,14

However, several years later another son of David, named Adonijah, tried to take the throne. This time Joab was not loyal to David. It was exactly the same situation that had happened a few years earlier with Absalom. Another child who had no business on the throne, wanted to become the king. Please read the following Scripture carefully.

"Then ADONIJAH the son of Haggith EXALTED HIMSELF, SAYING, I WILL BE KING: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him… and his mother bare him after Absalom. And HE CONFERRED WITH JOAB the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and THEY FOLLOWED ADONIJAH AND HELPED HIM."

1 Kings 1:5-7

Notice how Joab, who had fought against Absalom a few years earlier was now helping Adonijah. Is it not ironic that someone who was once loyal to David could become disloyal? I remember a brother who was so loyal to me. He would stand up at meetings and declare his commitment each time. He was noted for his proclamations and utterances about his commitment to me. One day, at a meeting, we were discussing the actions of a rebellious pastor. This gentleman stood up and condemned the behavior of this rebel. As I listened to him, I was encouraged by his words of commitment and support. I said to myself, “I really have some loyal people with me.” Some time later, this brother was appointed a pastor and pioneered a church somewhere. It was but a few years later when this pastor rebelled against me in a very surprising move.

One afternoon he said to me, “I would like to see you.” I said, “Sure, I’m always here. You can see me now.” He started, “I have decided to begin a new church.” “Which church is this,” I asked. “A church,” he replied. “Is it part of Lighthouse Chapel?” I asked. “No,” he answered. “Oh, I see!” This was his way of telling me that he was pulling out unexpectedly. Shortly after, in an unanticipated move, he changed the name of the Lighthouse church he was pastoring and retained some of our properties. This person had been very loyal to me for several years. It was a surprise to almost everyone! His loyalty to me was convincing and impressive! But this illustrates the principle. Loyalty today does not mean loyalty tomorrow.

Joab was loyal in the case of Absolam but not in the case of Adonijah. We must therefore be vigilant so that we do not fall prey to the attacks of the enemy in the future. Nowadays, I take speeches and proclamations of commitment with a pinch of salt. I pray for people who make statements of commitment, that as the years go by they will remember what they have said and live by it.

Credits : Excerpt from

How to Test Loyalty.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.