LOYALTY
The Power of Staying in a World that Often Walks Away
By Justin Pratt,
Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor
I was recently introduced to a story that had somehow evaded me all these years: the story of Hachikō, the Akita dog who was adopted and would walk with his owner, Professor Ueno, to the Shibuya train station every morning. Each evening, he would return to that same spot to greet him, tail wagging and eyes full of joy. Tragically, one day the professor never came home; he passed away unexpectedly at work. Despite this, Hachikō continued to return, not for a week or a month, but every day for nine years, nine months, and fifteen days. Come rain, snow, or shine, he would wait, watching each train, hoping to see the face of the one he loved. Over time, Hachikō’s unwavering devotion captured the hearts of an entire nation and became a national symbol, representing the power of loyalty.
Loyalty is a rare treasure in today’s culture, often overshadowed by convenience, quick exits, and self-interest. In a world that continually shifts and realigns its values, breaking commitments when it suits our interests, loyalty represents the integrity and commitment to stay true to the people we love. True friendship is one of the greatest gifts from God. Real friends walk with us through both ups and downs; they celebrate our victories and help us bear our burdens. Friendship isn’t just about laughter and making memories; it’s fundamentally built on loyalty. Loyalty means standing by a friend when others walk away, defending them in their absence, and praying for them even when they don’t know it. It’s about being there not just when it’s convenient, but also when it’s challenging.
In 1 Samuel 18, we see one of the most beautiful examples of loyalty in the Bible: the friendship between Jonathan and David. Once their connection was established, they formed a sacred bond of love and loyalty, becoming the best of friends. As their relationship deepened, so did the challenges they faced. When things were tough and times were hard, they remained loyal to one another. Jonathan not only gave David his robe, sword, and armor but also relinquished his claim to the throne of Israel, fully supporting God’s plan. Even when his own father tried to kill David, Jonathan came to his rescue. David never forgot the experiences that forged their friendship. He remembered Jonathan’s loyalty, and years later, after Jonathan’s death, he sought out any living relatives to repay that kindness and honor his friend’s memory. This led him to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s grandson, who was living in Lo-debar and was crippled. Out of loyalty to his friend, King David brought Mephibosheth into the palace, restored his land, and gave him a seat at the king’s table.
Loyalty says, “I choose you, even if it costs me.” The story reminds us that real loyalty is not driven by convenience, competition, or gain – it’s rooted in covenant, love, and character. True loyalty ought to outlive jealousy, survive betrayal, and span generations. It’s a deep, deliberate commitment to stand by someone or something, not only when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not. In Proverbs 17:17, the Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” That kind of love isn’t flaky or fickle. It stays the course, it shows up, and it stands firm. Loyalty builds a friendship that no storm can shake and no time can erode. Whether it’s friendship, leadership, ministry, or our walk with God, loyalty is needed and necessary.
On March 8, 1935, Hachikō the dog, passed away at the very spot where he had waited every day for nearly a decade. His unwavering loyalty was so touching that a bronze statue was erected at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where it still stands today. This statue serves not only as a memorial to a beloved dog but also as a tribute to a rare form of loyalty in our world. In a society that often celebrates the flashy and fleeting, Hachikō reminds us of the profound power of simply showing up—again and again.
