There is one epic that lauds a hero. He was so strong that when arrows pierced him, he did not die for three days. However, he was serving a wicked ruler, who publicly humiliated a woman. The hero knew it was wrong, a crime, and an unrighteous act, but did not heed the call for help. His reason was: I ate the food of my ruler and would be loyal for consuming salt from his home. At the same time, another person raised his voice and saved the dignity of the oppressed woman. In contrast, Christians are called to be witnesses of truth and establish the Kingdom Value of righteousness. (Acts 1:8; Matthew 6:33)
Fake loyalty: Many cultures promote such loyalty to individuals who could be wicked, unrighteous, evil, exploiters, and oppressors. In history, some wicked kings and leaders had fierce loyalty from people, who ignored their wickedness and blindly followed them. These undiscerning followers encourage their leaders to be more brutal.
Righteousness: Such blind followers do not know what righteousness is. Sadly, the word of their leaders is the law; whatever they do is right. Mostly, such followers consider their leader as divine, even though their morality is banal and wicked. Righteousness is doing what is right in the sight of God, always and always.
Truth: The Lord Jesus Christ stated: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6) Those who know the truth are set free from all bondages of falsehood, contradictory values, traditions, trends, rituals, customs that dishonour God. (John 8:32) They bow down only before the Truth.
Risking life: The Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples to take up the cross and follow Him. That means to embrace death, undeterred by risks. The three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, did not see it as an obligation to obey the order of Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 3:16-28) Some of his colleagues and others could have said: “How can you disobey one who feeds you? You have eaten his salt; how can you be disloyal?”
Am I loyal and faithful to God, His Truth, and righteousness?