Faithfulness as Loyalty



I recently revisited the story of Ammon in the Book of Mormon. (For an abbreviated version of this story watch the video above or click here) and something caught my attention in a new way. 

In chapter 18, verse 10:


10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.

 

Lamoni didn't even know about God at this point and his use of the word "faithful" surprised me for a moment. I usually (almost exclusively) hear about faithfulness in a religious sense of "having faith in God", which I currently understand as basically trusing in Him and in His plan and words (which involves knowing Him as He is (not as I think He is or imagine Him to be or want Him to be) so as not to have misplaced faith... another thought train for another day).

Then I remembered that we also use the word "faithful" to talk about loyalty, especially to a person, such as being faithful to one's spouse. 

Mind. Blown. 

I've been on a journey to understand faith better for over a decade now and this felt like a huge drop of heavenly light opening my mind. 

Sometimes faith takes on a bit of a vagueness - like what is it anyway? It's believing that the sun will rise, lighting each new day, yes, but what about when life gets more complicated? 

How does one "keep the faith", or "remain faithful"? I can't hold that "swelling within my heart" all the time - especially not while processing grief, allowing space for clean pain and doing deep internal work not to mention the tasks of daily living and frenetic pace of life while living in these modern last days. If I don't "feel faith" all the time am I doing something wrong...?? 

Things had gotten a little nebulous. 

But faith as loyalty? That I can do. 

 Loyalty is a vague, "feel-y" thing too, but with more action-based connotations in my mind. Being loyal to a spouse means you go to them for all spouse-y things and no one else. My craft store even has a "loyalty card" to reward people for shopping at their store instead of a different one. 

Loyalty, then, can mean choosing someone or something. 

Ammon was loyal to the king and to all his commands. He did what he had been asked to do. He agreed to - even asked for - the position of servant to the king with the intent to be "all in". 


22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people.

23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.


Ammon was committed. All in. Loyal. Faithful. 

I can be loyal to the Lord by choosing Him and sticking to His commands. I can choose to be all in and ACT on the Lord's words, given through scripture, prophets, and personal revelation. 

It feels so much better to know I can choose faith and don't have to worry about chasing a nebulous feeling that slips through my grasp like smoke. Some of that is being human, some of that is dealing with mental health challenges. 

Either way, I am so grateful for this learning that choosing to follow God and all of His commandments faithfully, remaining loyal to Him, is a choice I can make, not a feeling to chase. 

8 days ago — If you are faithful to someone or something, you remain loyal and keep the promises you made: You've been faithful to your family. (Definition ...

A fascinating exploration of the word 'faithful"
https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/f/faithful.html 

FAITHFUL Definition & Meaning

Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › faithful
Feb 24, 2025 — The meaning of FAITHFUL is steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal. How to use faithful in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Faithful.


faith·ful
/ˈfāTHfəl/
adjective
  1. 1.
    remaining loyal and steadfast.
    "throughout his career, he remained faithful to the principles of Classical art"
    Similar:
    loyal
    constant
    true
    devoted
    true-blue
    truehearted
    unswerving
    Opposite:
  2. 2.
    true to the facts or the original.
    "the rugs they make today remain faithful to their ancestors' methods"
    Similar:
    accurate
    precise
    exact
    errorless
    error-free
    unerring
    Opposite:
noun
  1. those who are faithful to a particular religion or political party.
    "a muezzin called the faithful to prayer"
    Similar:
    believers
    communicants
    adherents
    followers
    loyal followers

Cambridge Dictionary

firm and not changing in your friendship with or support for a person or an organization, or in your belief in your principles: Jack has been a loyal ...

Merriam Webster 

LOYAL Definition & Meaning

Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › loyal
7 days ago — faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.


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