(Proverbs 17:17 TLB)
The first key to commitment is a loyalty and faithfulness that go beyond all personal feelings. The dictionary defines loyalty as being "faithful in allegiance to one's government, faithful esp. to a cause or ideal."1 Faithfulness is defined as "allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty, complete trust."2
These definitions describe the heart of an armorbearer—someone willing to give of himself for others, someone who is dependable and loyal to his leaders and can be trusted with difficult assignments. The armorbearer's loyalty and faithfulness, of course, are first to God and then to man.
The prophet Daniel and the three Hebrew children refused to eat the rich food served to the king when they were held captive in Babylon. Much of the food was totally against the dietary laws given to Moses by God. I have wondered why the other young captives did not follow their example.
When you think about it, however, you can hardly blame them. Their country had been destroyed, their family members were probably all killed or least held captive too, and they were prisoners in a strange city. Perhaps they thought God had forsaken them and that there was no longer any reason to hold on to His laws. But Daniel remained faithful, and as a result, he was highly exalted in the midst of an ungodly nation.
Today, as an armorbearer for a church or ministry, when you are asked by a leader to do something, your attitude toward that person is a test of your loyalty to God. If you do not like something a superior asks you to do, you may think it is between you and him. But it is really between you and God, if you are where God has assigned you. Make changes in your attitude and in your obedience to God; then doing what you are asked to do will not bother you. Personal feelings must be laid aside when you make a decision to serve God in whatever ministry He puts you. After all, He knew the rules and regulations of that ministry before He put you there.
Faithfulness is something that has to be found, according to 1 Corinthians 4:2; and the Bible says that we are to know those who labor among us. (1 Thess. 5:12.) That is why your pastor and church leaders watch for faithfulness. When they find someone who has proven himself trustworthy in hard and difficult situations, they know that person is mature and can handle more responsibility. Then that armorbearer is a great blessing to them.
1 The Merriam-Webster Dictionary copyright © 1998, s.v. "loyal."
2 The Merriam-Webster Dictionary copyright © 1998, s.v. "faith."
Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
- Take a look at four characteristics of a faithful man:
A faithful man knows how to keep his mouth shut. (Prov. 11:13.)
A faithful man ministers strength to his pastor and church. (Prov. 13:17.)
A faithful man always will speak the truth. (Prov. 14:5.)
A faithful man is a humble man. (Prov. 20:6.)
- A word to encourage you: "He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones" (Prov. 2:8 MESSAGE).
Heavenly Father, Your Word says that a faithful man is hard to find, but I am determined to be one of Your loyal and faithful ones. I pray for the leader You've called me to serve, that You give him wisdom in all his ways. I submit myself to his leadership and obey his instructions as my service to You. Show me how to be a blessing to him. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers