Allegiance to Christ

"Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?" (Pr. 20:6)

Millions of people will profess allegiance to Christ. But who is truly loyal to him? The proverb says that most who claim to be good and loyal are not. Are you truly loyal to Christ? Am I? Even the apostle Peter wavered in his loyalty to the Lord after His arrest. Peter beforehand told the Lord, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You" (Mt. 26:35). Yet we read further on in the chapter and see that Peter denied the Lord three times (Mt. 26:69-75). It is far easier to claim allegiance to Christ than to actually show it in the face of trials and conflicts.

Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other" (Mt. 6:24). We cannot be loyal to Christ and loyal to another master. One may be able to ride the fence for a while as long as there is no conflict between the ones they are trying to be loyal to. But when conflict arises, when truth has "fallen in the street" (Is. 59:14), that is when it will become evident whether we are truly aligned with Christ or not.

Brethren, our allegiance must be to Christ and Him alone. Not to some college, bookstore, publication, preacher, elder, family member, etc. "No one can serve two masters" (Mt. 6:24). Let's be sure we're serving the One who can reward our loyalty with a "crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).