In 1978, Jim Jones lured his followers to Guyana in Central America. There in loyalty to him, 916 people drank poison to die—one of the most despicable events in modern history. Most people can see through that kind of twisted loyalty. Only Jesus Christ is worthy of unreserved loyalty, and that is because He is the Son of God. By His origin, deeds, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated absolute trustworthiness for our total devotion. Luke 9 records what Jesus said about loyalty to him. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” Jim Eliot might have said it best—“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Devoting one’s life to follow Jesus Christ is the best move any human can ever make.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
