About the Narrator

Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.

This episode narrated by Lt Col Kate Toms, USAF

Loyalty is demonstrated in the workplace for many noble reasons.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Mark 14:18, quoting from the ESV:

“As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.’”

Why do you think Jesus raised the subject of his betrayal? Why did He tell the disciples someone would betray Him? Perhaps He simply needed to tell someone who cared. Jesus told his disciples. He said it not once but, according to Mark, approached the matter five times. The fifth time He poured His heart out to His Father. At Jesus’ comment, the disciples questioned their loyalty.

To be loyal is to show allegiance and to demonstrate constant support. This fidelity defines the leader/follower relationship. Disloyalty hurts. At the Passover meal the disciples had the opportunity to examine their own constancy to Christ. As followers of Christ, it is prudent to examine our trustworthiness and to monitor that which could allure, even lull us into thoughtless words and deeds. Jesus’ loyalty was without question. He said, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Loyalty is demonstrated in the workplace for many noble reasons: belief in the cause or product or allegiance to the institution. The follower of Christ must understand his or her own motives for following and serving. Rightly motivated, believers respond to God’s demonstrated love for us. Did you notice that the one who betrayed Him reclined at the table and was eating with Him? Judas was a recipient of fellowship, inclusion, identity, and belonging without comprehending that loyalty is a two-way street. Jesus paid the price of his commitment to us on the cross. Are we willing to pay the price of loyalty to Him? More aptly, why am I willing to pay the price of constancy to Christ?

Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

  1. First, when you are tested, tempted, worn out, and perhaps overcommitted, how might your loyalty to Christ waver?
  2. Second, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” How is your love relationship with Jesus?
  3. Third, what motivates your loyalty to Christ—the love relationship, the reward, or both?