Whenever you see an article or video concerning the topic of loyalty, the focus is usually on other people and how loyal they’re not. But what about you? Better yet: Are you loyal to yourself?
That question alone comes off pretty arrogant doesn’t it? So what’s the issue? As believers, we understand that we should be selfless and that we should care for others. But keep this in perspective.
In the bible Jesus says, “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
We need to focus on the end part of his statement: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Keyword: YOURSELF). In the midst of helping others and trying to make a difference, are you taking care of yourself? This question alone will cause you to look in the mirror and evaluate your life. The truth is, you can’t love, help, or care for others correctly if you haven’t set a foundation for yourself. (Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually,etc)
For Example:
– How can we go out and make a difference in our community, when we’re not taking care of our bodies physically by eating right and working out?
– How can we give advice to others lost in their emotions when haven’t addressed our own emotional scars? (Like a bad breakup, doubting God, depression, etc)
– Better yet, how can we tell others about a savior that we don’t even have a spiritual relationship with? (A prayer life, a church we’re faithful to, etc)
Regardless of our focus or mission, we have to make sure that we are covered. In order to pour into others effectively & consistently, we have to be sure that we are being poured into as well. We can become so concerned with being busy building others up, that we don’t even notice that we are steadily draining ourselves to the point we’re ineffective. Remember that BUSYNESS doesn’t always equate to HOLINESS. So here’s the real question to ask yourself:
Are you as loyal as you think you are?
~Mike Sarge
