I ran into a young man sometime ago. We got chatting for a few minutes. As I listened carefully to him, I knew that his understanding of loyalty was faulty. He was basically showing how much of a betrayal he was. Although he garnished all of his explanations with scriptures and spiritual vocabularies, all I was seeing and hearing was the spirit of Judas at work.
Friend, don’t be a betrayer. One of the prophecies of the last days has to do with betrayal, and it is important to know that this spirit is at work already in our world (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The spirit of Judas is the spirit of betrayal. Judas was a man with a good heart, but he allowed the devil to exploit his weakness and carelessness (Luke 22:3, John 12:6, Ephesians 4:27).
Loyalty is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It shows in the way you see your leaders and the critical relationships in your life; if you see them wrongly, you cannot follow or relate with them rightly. Don’t see people as an opportunity to make money or rise to prominence, else you become a victim of the spirit of Judas (Matthew 26:15, John 12:4-6).
Most full-blown betrayals began subtly (2 Samuel 12:26-28, 1 Kings 2:5-6). You would notice them in speeches, actions, body language, etc. Never welcome a betrayal to your team. Someone who destroyed another man’s work cannot build your work. Don’t be in a hurry to appoint people. Check where they are coming from. Test their spirit (Hebrews 4:12, 1 John 4:1). Listen carefully to their stories.
You cannot read people like you read a book; you need time to know people well. Observe how they react under different circumstances. Don’t commit to someone you have not offended or tested. Watch how they take corrections and rebukes. Check how they relate with other people. Check their private lives. Check their attitude towards money and materials things (Matthew 6:21, John 12:4-6).
For those who have been betrayed, guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Let it not affect your life and assignment. Build systems that would make your work to outlast betrayals (Acts 1:14-26). Don’t assume that people would be loyal automatically; teach about it (Luke 14:26-27). Trust people, but also train them. Learn the right lessons from betrayal so you won’t repeat it. If you are betrayed once, you are a victim; but if it happens again and again, you are a volunteer. Be guided.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny ImpactChurch
Akure, Nigeria