According to the Miriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition for loyal is "unswerving in allegiance." Some synonyms include "constant, devoted and faithful." As Christians, we are called to be loyal to the word of God. It is the standard by which God calls us to live our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that we can count on God's word because it "is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NIV)

It is important that our children learn that the scriptures given to us by God will equip them for every good work that they will set their hands to. That is reason enough to be loyal to the Word of God. Let's look at the acrostic of "LOYAL" to learn 5 reasons why we should be loyal to the Bible.

L – Let it be your standard

In today's culture, it is common to hear people say, "Truth is relative." Agreed. Some truth is relative, but God's moral truth is never relative. It is the unswerving truth that should be our standard throughout our whole life. Your children will be fed a lot of lies being masked as truth throughout their childhood. Teach them that if the Bible is their go-to standard, they will be able to discern what is right and good and true according to what God says and not according to the whims of a culture.

O – Obey it

James 1:22 says this: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (NIV) Obedience should be a term that is honored by all. However, over time, it seems to have become more like a four-letter word that is avoided at all costs. It is important that our children learn that obeying God is the BEST possible thing they can do. God will never tell them to do something that is not for their very best, even when it appears contrary to their logic.

Y – You are called to speak it

Romans 10:17 says this: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." As Christians, we are called to speak the truths He has given to us. We are to do so with love and grace. However, we should not shy away from proclaiming what we know to be true in the Bible because it is not popular or because it may go against a culture's belief systems. Teach your kids the importance of speaking the truths of God and their foundation of faith will grow.

A – Accept it with joy

Habakkuk 3: 17-18 says this: "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; … Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation. "(NKJV) This is a beautiful verse that screams the need for loyalty to God and His Word. The Bible is full of hope and encouragement from beginning to end. picture of reality of life that is second to none. We live in a world that is groaning for the return of Jesus and therefore, life has its many valleys as well as mountain tops. But when you teach your children to stay loyal to God and His Word, they too will be able to rejoice as He leads them on their journey.

L – Love it!

Psalm 119: 97 says this: "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (NKJV) This psalmist had a deep love for God's Word. In fact, he states that he meditates on it all day long. "Wow! That's loyalty. And while most of our days are filled to overflowing with schedules that make us dizzy, we too, should stop throughout our days and consider our love for God and His Word. Teach your kids to love the Bible. In fact, be the example to your kids of someone who can't live without its life-giving words.