One of my favorite lines in any movie is the line in the Princess Bride, when Vizzini repeatedly says, “Inconceivable.” That’s not the line. The line was in response, when Inigo Montoya (played by the incomparable Mandy Patinkin) said, “You keep using that word! I do not think it means what you think it means.”

There’s another word being thrown around in Washington, and that’s loyalty. Yet, after hearing how some use this word, I do not think it means what they think it means. The basic definition is, “a strong feeling of support or allegiance.” When it comes to Washington, the question is, “Allegiance to what?” Here are the options:

• To the party, keeping the party line at all costs.
• To a person, pledging allegiance to that person, whether in truth or in lie.
• To the Constitution, you know, the laws that govern our Republic.

For Christians, our loyalty is found in the Great Commission and Great Commandment:

1. Love the triune God with everything you have. He never changes in His steadfast love and faithfulness.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself–not just who lives next door to you, but according to Luke 10:25-37, everyone, friend or enemy, is your neighbor.
3. Lifestyle of making disciples.

In earthly administrations, loyalty is often seen as covering up a lie or a problem that could expose inappropriate relationships or behavior, which is a problem. Churches could be ones who cover up inappropriate relationships or behavior in order to keep their reputation in place. Any whistleblowers will be dismissed.

Our primary allegiance is to Jesus, to His Word, and to the truth. We love God, love neighbor, and make disciples based on loving truth as found in His Word. The Spirit comes alongside us to make this possible.

Jesus is enough to be loyal to the right things.