LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS

Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, 'This is what Ahithophel counseled...Now therefore, send quickly and tell David.'"2 Samuel 17:15-16 

 King David's own son, Absalom, stole the hearts of Israel and led a revolt against his father. Taking control of Jerusalem, he declared himself the new king.
      As many shifted allegiance to Absalom, David felt compelled to flee. But some remained loyal to David, including Hushai, his friend, who returned to Jerusalem at David's request, offering his services to Absalom. David told Hushai to relay any important news to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and they would relay the message through their sons.
      The system worked perfectly. David learned of Absalom's strategy and was spared because of the loyalty and faithfulness of these friends and followers. 
      Faithfulness is important to God. The Bible describes how He rewards loyalty and looks for people who are faithful: "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor" (Proverbs 21:21)..."I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).
      Jesus described how, at the end of the age, God will reward those who are "faithful and sensible," and tell them, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).
      How can we prove our faithfulness? By being faithful in everything-particularly the little things. May we be righteous and dependable in every task, and trustworthy even with the "unrighteous wealth" of the world and the things that belong to others (Luke 16:10-12). 
      Ask God to help you to be loyal and faithful-the kind of person He and others can count upon and trust.