The aforementioned explanation pertains to Fashola’s thesis, wherein he asserts that the concept of loyalty is peculiar. What truly seems peculiar, however, is the rampant abuse of loyalty within Celestial Church of Christ. There exists a perception that when individuals seek those who will consistently do what is right, regardless of the circumstances, the virtue they seek is integrity. Conversely, when individuals seek those who are easily manipulated, the quality they demand is blind loyalty. What often goes unnoticed is that in the absence of integrity, loyalty becomes null and void. Consequently, those who prioritize the latter at the expense of the former often find themselves in a state of distress.
Even in a monarchy, loyalty to the institution of kingship supersedes loyalty to a specific king. However, within Celestial Church, we witness a system that challenges this notion, as loyalty to individuals is where our Church leaders should invest their time and energy. The crux of the matter lies in the fact that when Celestial leaders remain true to themselves and prioritize the Church’s interests over personal gain, they will garner God’s favor and earn the commendation of Church members. Thus, loyalty, which constitutes a vital aspect of everyday life, may not be the issue at hand. Rather, it is the misapplication of this concept, particularly among the Church leaders.
In order to foster stronger loyalty among all leaders within Celestial Church, it is imperative that they collectively agree on the definition of loyalty as “an unwavering commitment and wholehearted dedication to a relationship built on trust, shared goals, and mutual value.”
Service to the administrative structure of the Church should not be driven by self-interest, but rather by a genuine desire to uplift others. Loyalty that is self-centered fails to inspire and is short-lived. Regrettably, this self-serving loyalty is what many Celestian members are yearn for, and it is precisely why Celestial Church finds itself in its current lamentable state. To alter this narrative, our leaders must embrace a more enduring form of loyalty that is centered around enduring principles and the greater good, rather than catering to power-hungry individuals.
Nevertheless, it would still be beneficial for us to constantly remind ourselves of Fashola’s prayer: “May our loyalty never be tested!”
