Requirements of loyalty: loyalty to the word

John 15:1-10 KJV – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

[3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

[7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

[9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. [10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

Mark 4:17 KJV – and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

1. Loyalty requires understanding

Loyalty to the Word, which will make you fruitful, requires understanding. Many people lose the Word gradually because of misinformation, misunderstanding, and unbelief. When you don’t get the Word, the birds of the air steal it.

2. Loyalty requires depth

Shallowness is a red flag. People who lack depth cannot be trusted. We must strive for depth. A double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways.² I have always believed that you either drink or taste none. Shallowness is an enemy of loyalty. People who follow and love from a distance are dangerous.

3. Loyalty requires purging and separation

You must purge yourself of the lust for other things: the cares of this life, breeding anxiety; the deceitfulness of riches.³ Then after, be separated from the scornful, the ungodly, and the wicked.⁴ The Bible teaches that a man who purges himself is prepared for the Master’s use as a vessel of honour.⁵

4. Loyalty requires intentionality

You must be intentional about it. The least you can do for yourself is to mix the word with faith in you, meditate, and do the word day and night!^{6 7}Practice!

Loyalty is a choice, not a spiritual gift! Loyalty is a decision. When you receive and keep the word, you will go very far.