Three Elements of Loyalty

“Loyalty earned is a beautiful thing, but loyalty demanded is toxic.”

– Samuel Chand

Author

In the Scout Handbook you will find, "A Scout is Loyal.  A Scout is loyal to those whom loyalty is due."  This does not mean blind loyalty.  I have often hear that loyalty is given to all in authority or all in power.  That is not at all true.  Loyalty is always earned and never demanded.  It is given and not taken.  Loyalty comes from three main areas, beliefs, values, and purposes.

1)  Loyalty comes from shared beliefs

                Everything we do and fight for are the things we believe to be true.  We are loyal to those who share our belief because we know that they are fighting for the same causes we find important.  When we are asked to stand, fight for and defend things that we do not believe in, we become weak and ineffective.  Likewise, when  we are following a leader who stand for the things we believe in, we become strong, committed and loyal to the end.

2)  Loyalty comes from shared values

                The success-minded person will not be loyal to someone who is not honest, of poor character or untrustworthy.  These are some of the values that make the success-mined person who they are.  Many have been asked to do things that are dishonest, bend the rules or tell a white lie, but have left their job or position because to betray their values is a crime greater than any they can accept.

3)  Loyalty comes from shared purposes

                It is hard if not impossible to be loyal to someone or something that does not share your purpose.  It you want to see a person of character stand strong, give them a purpose they can believe in and stand up for.  Take it away and you will have no commitment at all.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey