What kind of people can be faithful. Loyalty and fidelity - what is it? Unusual way of thinking

Loyalty is a concept that can be viewed from different angles. It is difficult to give a clear definition of this word, because the point of view of each person depends on his experience, age, experienced events in life and his own attitudes.

In addition, you can consider different types of fidelity, because you can keep it not only to your loved one. To understand this concept, it is worth not only considering the definition given in the explanatory dictionary, but also finding out what types of fidelity are, what determines a person’s decision to remain faithful to someone or something.

Definition of the term

Loyalty is perseverance and immutability in feelings, relationships, in the performance of one's duties, duty, according to Ozhegov's dictionary. This is the quality of a person as a person to make a decision one day and follow his choice, brushing aside all doubts.

In fact, fidelity is a line of behavior chosen in accordance with life values. It cannot arise without an object of internal or external attention. This spiritual need is generated by someone or something. As a rule, loyalty is shown to loved ones, friends, the word, God, principles and beliefs, the heart, the Motherland, the family.

Alternative definitions of the concept

The question of how you understand the meaning of the word "loyalty" can have many answers, depending on which person is trying to define it. It could be:

• "the right way" or "the right answer", that is, the right one;
• "the right thing" means fundamentally reliable;
• "faithful person" - authoritative, serviceable.

Often, accidental or deliberate mistakes lead to a violation of fidelity. And this is a betrayal, first of all, to oneself, to one's own rules, and then to the object of attention. Such cases are associated with certain losses, moral, and sometimes physical. And depending on the situation, they are experienced differently.

loyalty to friendship

Loyalty is the main condition for true friendship, which claims a lot of time, patience and dedication, which does not require anything in return. Not everyone is given the honor of being a friend.

Friendship arises on the basis of common interests, mutual sympathy, trust and is the highest moral value. It is acquired for a reason, but lives and develops according to its own scenario. It is very important to have a friend by your side in difficult times. And if he is both in grief and in joy, then wings grow. And then human possibilities become unlimited. Historical victories, scientific discoveries, adventures are impossible without true friends.

fidelity to duty

A sense of duty goes hand in hand with patriotism. And loyalty to him is the core on which perseverance and responsibility for words and deeds, courage and honesty, constant readiness to overcome all sorts of hardships and deprivations, professional, physical and psychological preparation are strung. It cannot be borrowed, imposed or taken away. This is a gift of conscience and steadfastness of the soul.

During the taking of the oath, the soldiers swear allegiance to their homeland. In combat conditions, soldiers carry out wounded fighters from the bullets, true to their sense of duty. Even medals and badges "For fidelity to duty" are awarded to the deserving. This type of loyalty manifests itself in politics and in religion. Presidents of all countries of the world take an oath of allegiance to the interests of the state. In ancient times, subjects swore faith to kings, and servants kept the secret of the Order. Priests died for their faith, but did not betray it, because faith in God is the basis of any fidelity.

Love and loyalty

The meaning of the word "fidelity" in the relationship between a man and a woman does not allow for any compromises or double morality. Deep feelings arise only with complete trust, sincerity and openness. There is no need for oaths or promises. People have found each other, all doubts have melted away, a conscious choice is final and not subject to outside comments. In this case, the desire to be faithful arises on its own and does not require effort. It simply eradicates the need to look for someone better, because it is better not to find.

This is an internal, unconscious, but that's why the real decision is to be faithful. The meaning of this word in this context is beyond doubt - not to allow anyone into your life except the chosen person. And let them say that in modern society this concept is losing its value, that fidelity has practically disappeared. It is unlikely that this will ever happen. Because if a person loves, then he makes a silent decision to be faithful and does everything possible to create a family idyll, peace of mind and sexual harmony.

If two fidelities are combined into one family life, then this will be the key to happiness. This is freedom from temptations, and responsibility for a loved one, and fulfillment of obligations.

Parents have always been role models for their children. And if they are faithful to the interests of the family, this will serve as a good example for the younger generation in their future adult life. Over the years, people become closer, because love is a friend of fidelity.

swan fidelity

Animals do not have such a high organization of the brain as in humans, so they are in most cases polygamous. Thanks to this, populations and the viability of species are preserved. But we can single out those for whom love and fidelity are the most important feelings. These are penguins, wolves, foxes, beavers, gibbons, turtle doves, barn owls, albatrosses, eagles and, of course, swans.

The meaning of the phraseological unit “swan fidelity” received the right to life precisely from white swans. These birds are a symbol of fidelity. They create married couples for life and remain faithful even after the death of a partner. They can sympathize, care for, heal, feed and give tenderness to loved ones until their last breath. And after their death, they refuse to fly, remain in the place of their former happiness and remain faithful.

Loyalty is a facet of human relations. Where she settles, a reliable and bright fortress will grow, where anger and jealousy, rage and fear will never wander. It is difficult to be faithful, but one must try to open the door to this pure, kind and immaculate spiritual quality.

Loyalty is a very deep and multifaceted concept. A person can be true to his work, to his words, to a loved one. Be that as it may, the word "loyalty" always implies endless loyalty beyond other factors.

But how many truly faithful people are there today? Mankind is accustomed to live trusting instincts, desires, and not according to God's laws, avoiding negative actions. I recall the work of G.N. Troepolsky "White Bim Black Ear". The reader is shown here dog loyalty and devotion, which is rarely inherent in a person. The dog was waiting for its owner from the hospital, wandering the streets, but still died of anguish, not knowing that Ivan Ivanovich had returned for her. The story is capable of causing tears, it penetrates deep into the soul and is remembered forever, one has only to read it once. It shows true loyalty in friendship and devotion to one person. Other people were ready to shelter the dog, but he continued to wait only for his master.

Also, the theme of fidelity was widely disclosed in the story of A.S. Pushkin "The Captain's Daughter" By the will of circumstances, the hero of the story, Pyotr Grinev, went to the civil service, and Masha remained to wait for him. Shvabrin, who was defeated in a duel, was angry and offended. This man was desperately trying to persuade the girl to marry. But Masha was adamant, she waited and loved only Peter. Such relationships can serve as a good example of loyalty. Not every person, being far away, is able to maintain common sense and devotion towards his beloved. Maria did it.

I believe that a person, first of all, must be true to himself, his principles and beliefs. If we follow these simple rules of life, then loyalty will become an integral part of our character. You will not need to think about the correctness of your actions, because a faithful person always keeps "devotion" in his heart and mind.

Together with the article “An essay on the topic “What does it mean to be faithful?” read:

1. Determination

The ability to make decisions is a sure sign of smart people. These people know how to calculate the exact action, they believe in themselves and listen to their intuition. In life, we often find ourselves in a situation of choice: What to cook for dinner? What to do in your free time? What to buy for dinner? A smart person is able to comprehend the situation, determine the pros and cons, see the prospects and come to the right decision. All these features lead an intelligent person to success.

1. Decent environment

As a rule, smart, educated people are surrounded by their own kind. They love to meet new people, but maintain relationships with a few, but only with those who are truly interesting to them. Such people do not have many friends, but they have a few real ones who will come to the rescue at any moment.

1. Wise use of opportunities

Smart people are able to see and seize opportunities, in which such qualities as diligence, responsibility, attention and purposefulness help them. If many people often hope for luck, then smart people are well aware that nothing just happens in life. To get what you want, you need to make at least some effort. Smart people are not afraid of responsibility and difficulties, and therefore they know how to use the chance and achieve success.

1. Unusual way of thinking

Yes, smart people think differently. They think differently and are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Smart people are always adequate and understand that there is no only black or only white in life, but there are many shades. Smart people are ready to listen to any opinion, even if it seems stupid to them. This happens because smart people are not limited in their thinking.

1. Continuous development

Smart people learn throughout their lives. They are always aware of all world events, receive a variety of skills and abilities that are used. As a rule, their activities benefit themselves and others, that is, they do not waste time in vain. Thus, smart people are constantly evolving.

1. Having a sense of humor

Smart people understand that without laughter and fun in our lives in any way. Joyful events give our everyday life bright colors and contrasts. Smart people often joke, even in the most difficult situations, they like to relax the atmosphere around them and create a cheerful atmosphere.

1. Speech and movement

Measured speech and calm movements. The fact is that smart people always know what they say and what they do, and therefore their actions and speech are calm and confident.

We hope that all of the above can be said about you, and if, in your opinion, something is missing, it is never too late to fill in the gaps.

I will give you one hint for your final exam. One day, you will stand before God and He will evaluate your faithfulness. He will look at seven different aspects of your life to judge your loyalty. Therefore, you should be especially interested in how to develop these seven areas of your personal life and your ministry.

1. Do you have the right goals? A faithful person knows what is important in life and what is not. A faithful person knows how to rationally use the life given to him. The faithful man gives an account of his life. The faithful person distinguishes the significant from the insignificant.

In Prov. 28:20 it is written: “A faithful person is rich in blessings, and whoever is in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished”. This verse contrasts fidelity with the desire to get rich quick. This is not about making money. This is about the need to understand that there is more to life than hoarding things. The Bible teaches that we should live in this materialistic world like a fish swimming against the current. Loyalty is proven by our refusal to accept the values ​​of a system that says the "almighty dollar" is the #1 goal in our lives. Loyalty is often confirmed by a person choosing a less expensive lifestyle in order to free up time for service.

2. Do you care about the interests of other people? The second criterion by which God will evaluate our faithfulness is our attitude towards the needs of others. Have we cared about the relationships of others, not just our own?

Loyalty swims against the current of modern culture, which asks: “What is there for me? What are my needs, ambitions, my desires, my goals, my pain, my values, my profit, my gain? But God says that our faithfulness is expressed in our focus on others, when we share our lives with others, focusing on the needs of other people, and not just our own.

3. Do you live worthy in front of unbelievers? In other words, the measure of loyalty is the quality of your testimony to the outside world. The Bible teaches that the pastor must be "blameless" in society and have a good reputation, not only among believers, but also among non-believers. When God evaluates your faithfulness, He will not look at your eloquence, He will be interested in how you have proven yourself to others.

4. Do you keep your promises? When God evaluates your faithfulness, He will remember all your promises. Proverbs 20:25 says: “A network for a person is to hastily make a vow, and after the vow to ponder”. It is much easier to get into debt than it is to pay off debt (which is a promise to return the money). It is easier to start a relationship than to end it. It is easier to write a schedule than to live by it. But the Bible says, "If you said it, do it." Keep your promises. The number 1 reason for resentment and indignation is the failure to fulfill promises.

5. Are you developing your God-given gifts? The Bible places great emphasis on using the gifts and talents God has given us. God has made an investment in your life and is waiting for a return. 1 Peter 4:10 says: “Serve one another, each with the gift that you have received, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. Notice it says that if you don't use your spiritual gifts, you become unfaithful. Loyalty is based on what we do with what we have.

6. Are you keeping God's commandments? In 1 Samuel 2:35 God says: "And I will appoint myself a faithful priest", and underlines "he will walk after my heart and after my soul". God determines loyalty as "obedience to the commandments of Christ." We may be gifted leaders and speakers, but disobedience disqualifies us from the ranks of the faithful by God's designation. It's simple, but very important.

7. Do you pass on your knowledge to others? The Bible teaches a lot about the principle of multiplication. You must pass on what you have received to the faithful, and so on. None of us would be here today if it weren't for the faithfulness of men and women for 2,000 years of the Church. We teach today because some faithful men and women have taken the time to write down the Scriptures, others have preserved the Scriptures, and still others have translated the Scriptures. We're sitting here because faithful people have testified to us.

If God has taught you any spiritual truth, it is your responsibility to pass it on to others.

How can I become faithful? Galatians 5:22-23 says: “The fruit of the spirit is faith (fidelity in some translations)”. This is one of the nine gifts. When the Holy Spirit is at work in my life, I will be faithful. How do you know that you are filled with the Spirit? What sign? Maybe some kind of emotional experience?

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Not always. You can experience something and still not be filled with the Spirit. What sign? Fetus. How can I show that I am filled with the Spirit? I show this when I am faithful in what God expects of me.

Rick Warren is the founder of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is the New York Times bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life. His book The Purpose Driven Church has been cited as one of the Christian books that changed the world in the 20th century. He is also the founder of pastors.com, a worldwide community of pastors.

Translation - Sergey Karpenko for