Proverbs 14:35, There’s A Higher Loyalty

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September 5, Proverbs 14:35

Mk. 10:26-31; 1 Cor. 6:19-20 “If any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (Jn. 12:26).

There’s A Higher Loyalty

To honour the King is the duty of all subjects, as well as the command of God. To honour the King of Kings is the highest and best duty of all. The former brings temporal praise, the other eternal peace. This proverb also applies to every day life. One who pleases his master, his boss, will receive recognition now, but the one who pleases THE KING receives an hundredfold now, and in the world to come eternal life.

1. To A King: The wise servant, by his ability, wins the approval of the king. It is a fact that persons of highest character best serve the interests of the home and the State. Biblical examples of this are Joseph, Daniel, also Hannah, and Ruth. On the other hand, the one bungling his job reaps deserved blame, the king’s wrath. He has proved himself unworthy of his king’s trust. He has betrayed him. He brought discord, depression, and shame to his king, as well as disgrace upon himself. Even in this morally lax age, when public servants are proved to be corrupt, or exposed for immoral conduct, they bring public as well as private shame, and must forfeit their office. Such bear the tragic consequences of their conduct. Do not put the blame for your failure on “bad luck” or “favouritism.” A “good” king will reward the one who serves with proficiency, but his wrath is directed against the one that causes shame (Esth. 7:6-10). Character is the backbone of all success, especially in the service of others. “The test of your character is what you would do if you knew no one would ever know” (Bob Jones). Not soldiers, not merchants, not scientists, not artists, not sports heroes, but men and women of godly character, these are the favoured of the king, and the true strength of any nation!

2. To The King: Does not this proverb remind us of the parable of Jesus about the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30)? It is the story of a nobleman, a king, who, before going on a long journey, gave to his servants their talents, each according to his ability, and ordered them to occupy till I come. This parable is set in the hours just after Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is preceded by a verse (13) on His Second Coming! The wicked servant apparently thought that his master would never return! That is the position of many within the churches today! Dear reader, are you a servant looking for that returning King? If you are, what kind of an account will you render on the Day of Accounting? Know assuredly that all are responsible for what they do with their talent(s). You will not have to answer for someone else, but for yourself alone. Leave God to deal with others (Jn. 21:21-22). He will! How will you answer? What verdict will be rendered to you on that Day? That’s a verdict from which there is no appeal! Will it be commendation or condemnation? Oh! that none of you will hear those dreadful words: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. To serve Jesus Christ is to serve the Best of Masters and the greatest of Kings! “He who loves Christ sincerely, loves [serves] Him superlatively.” Do you?

Thought: “Find out your sins before they find you out.”

Prayer: Lord, that I might be one of the wise servant.