One of my illustrations to share with those in my seminars
during the discussion of “Commitment” and “Loyalty” is a personal story to make
my point and it’s pretty special to talk about it again today with you.
When I asked my wife
to marry me, (thankfully, she said yes!) we began to talk about wedding rings.
I bought her a very nice diamond which was an estate piece. She was thrilled
with it. When she asks, “what kind of ring do you want?” To my surprise I
immediately gave Gina this answer…” I don’t care what the style is, but it
should be wide enough for you to take it to a jeweler for him to engrave a
short statement inside it.
For the life of me, I don’t know where my response was
coming from even as it was coming out of my mouth. I have never heard of anyone
else doing it, it just hit me at that moment to give her these instructions.
“Have the jeweler engrave “I am a servant of Jesus Christ; I am a servant to Gina”. (At this point during my speech, all the ladies in the audience go “Ahhhhhhh”)
Every day, and sometimes several times a day I would see
that ring on my hand and be reminded of the commitment I made to her and to my
Master.
In this throw away and recycling society, loyalty and
commitment is an old-fashioned idea. Be it to employees, employers or
agreements, people what want they want disregarding an oath or promise they
have made.
We live in a world of ME, what I want and what will make ME
happy.. Sadly, many people today don’t even get married, they just live with
each other and suggest marriage is just a piece of paper. Fathers will walk
away from their responsibilities to their children in the pursuit of THEIR
happiness. People seem to have no problems walking away from a commitment to
God and assume He’ll be ok with it..In almost every case, they are eternally
wrong.
So, can we turn this destructive behavior around? Probably
not but there are some things we can do individually and corporately.
1.
If homes won’t teach it or model it, “Character”
issues should be given to our kids and employees through intentional programs
like. “Character Counts” and business ethics programs as reminders of
acceptable behavior.
2.
Boys’ clubs, girls’ clubs, sports programs and
coaches and mentoring programs with adults who have a life of commitment and
loyalty demonstrating what it looks like I real life.
3.
Religion won’t get you to heaven, but all of
them have morale principles by which humans can flourish. Get in the habit with
your family to attend.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about romantic
relationships, but about every bond we form in life. Whether it’s with family,
friends, colleagues, or even our communities, the values of commitment and
loyalty are the glue that holds meaningful relationships together. These values
cultivate trust, foster respect, and inspire others to follow by example.
Commitment is not a feeling that comes and goes with
convenience; it is an act of will, a conscious decision to honor your word and
to stand firm, even when the winds of life grow fierce. Loyalty, in turn, is
the shield that protects relationships from the corrosion of doubt and
selfishness. When both are practiced together, they create a foundation strong
enough to endure the challenges and trials of life.
As I reflect on this, I often think of mentors, leaders, and
even historical figures who have embodied these principles. Their legacies
remind us that commitment and loyalty are not just personal virtues, but also
societal needs. Imagine the difference it would make if more people resolved to
be unwavering in their promises and steadfast in their loyalties.
Today is my wedding anniversary. As I woke up this morning
thinking of my wife who is now waiting for me in Heaven, I recall the letter
she wrote me during her last days on this earth saying, “Don’t be sad because
we will be together again someday.”
I am so very grateful for the assurance of the promise Gina
and I shared and that hope we had/have and could rest on. And I’m grateful that
by God’s Grace I proved my commitment and loyalty of that statement engraved in
my wedding ring so many years ago.
On this anniversary I remember the power embodied through
commitment and loyalty to this day as I travel this life’s journey to ……… Finish Well!
