loyalty
Pursue loyalty to each other in your heart - 2 Samuel 14:1-15:12
Loyalty is such an attractive characteristic in a person. Disloyalty is subversive and betrays trust. Disloyalty can undermine the leadership in a church, business, or even a nation.
In David’s case, disloyalty came from his own son. This must have been so painful for him. David loved Absalom: ‘the king’s heart longed for Absalom’ (14:1). God speaks to David through the wise woman from Tekoa. As a result, David says, ‘Go, bring back the young man Absalom’ (v.21). When he returned ‘the king kissed Absalom’ (v.33). David gave him another opportunity to be a loyal son.
Tragically, David’s love and loyalty to Absalom were not returned. We see here a powerful description of how disloyalty works.
There are always opportunities for disloyalty. In any situation – whether for example in the government, workplace, or the church – there are bound to be those who complain (15:2). If you are a loyal person, you will help to deal with these complaints and attempt to diffuse them.
It has been said, ‘Loyalty means I am with you whether you are wrong or right. But I will tell you when you are wrong and help you get it right.’
Absalom failed the loyalty test. He would say to the complainers, ‘“Look, you’ve got a strong case, but the king isn’t going to listen to you.” Then he’d say, “Why doesn’t someone make me a judge for this country? Anybody with a case could bring it to me and I’d settle things fair and square.”’ (v.3–4, MSG).
Of course, this is absolute nonsense. But it is easy to make promises of this kind. The disloyal person says, ‘If only I were in charge everything would be so much better.’ In this way, Absalom ‘stole the hearts of the people of Israel’ (v.6). Disloyalty begins in our hearts and in our thinking. So does loyalty. Guard your heart and your thinking and do not allow your heart to be stolen.
However, here they found a rallying point around Absalom, and ‘the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing’ (v.12). Those who are feeling discontented in any situation always look for a rallying point. They look for someone among the leadership team around whom they can rally. If the entire leadership team remains faithful, the discontent will be unsuccessful.
