One Can Be Wrongly Loyal

Loyalty is the act of being devoted to someone, an organisation, or a particular cause. It has to do with pledging allegiance to a person or organisation in season and out of season. 

Loyalty could mean faithfulness, allegiance, adherence or devotion.

Loyalty is emotional; it is a strong feeling of attachment or support to a person, especially a leader or friend. 

Oftentimes, a loyalist stays committed to a person, not minding what others are saying, either to him or to the person/organisation he is loyal to.

The above description of loyalty can open our eyes to different kinds of loyalty. One is right, while the other is wrong and should not be encouraged.

A beautiful example of a display of loyalty is found in how a dog remains devoted to its owner. 

If allowed, the dog can accompany its owner to the farm or to the place of work. There are times the dog hunts in the bush and brings the prey to its owner as a show of love.

Suffice to say that the right loyalty is a response of love to a leader or organisation. You can't be loyal to someone you don't love. There must be an emotional attachment with the person, even if you're far apart physically.

However, as good as loyalty is, one can be wrongly loyal. This kind of loyalty could be problematic, presenting itself as a virtue. 

Wrong loyalty shouldn't be considered a strength but weakness.

You can be wrongly loyal if you consider a wrong idea as right because the idea is coming from the leader you love. You would have kicked against the idea if it comes from another person.

You can be wrongly loyal if you make dangerous decisions in favour of the person/organisation you are loyal to at your own detriment or at the expense of your integrity. 

Knowing the truth but decides to lie to avoid offending the one you're loyal to is a wrong loyalty.

You can be wrongly loyal if your loyalty is purposely to seek favour from the leader. 

True loyalty can be tested when benefits are not forthcoming. Withdraw the appointment, gift or any other benefit, and see who is still loyal to you.

You can be wrongly loyal if your loyalty to a person is borne out of fear and not from love. Some are forced to be loyal because they are afraid of their boss.

These and many more are ways one can be wrongly loyal.

In conclusion, there's no true loyalty that does not come with a reward. 

Be faithful to the cause, even when others are unfaithful. Do not be moved by people's discouragement, if only you're devoted to a true cause.

© Sunday Akinrelere