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Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
(Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT)

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A good example of the loyalty of an armorbearer is found in the story of the death of Abimelech. (Judg. 9:45–55.)

This event took place during a war in which Abimelech was laying siege to a city. He was succeeding in his attempt to seize the city and had the enemy on the run. When he came to a tower where many of the people had taken refuge, he was prepared to burn it down. As wood was being laid at the foot of the tower, a woman in the top threw down a piece of millstone that struck Abimelech on the head, cracking his skull. He went to his armorbearer and ordered the young man, “Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him” (v. 54).

Even though Abimelech was wicked, the loyalty of his armorbearer is obvious. He was the closest person to the king when the stone struck him on the head. He was just as concerned about Abimelech’s tainted honor as Abimelech was himself. He did not want it said that his officer had been killed by a woman. His instant obedience is also recorded: “And his young man thrust him through, and he died” (v. 54).

Most likely you and your leader will not encounter such a dramatic turn of events; however, this armorbearer set a wonderful example from which you can glean. Notice:

• This armorbearer was loyal and dedicated to an undeserving, evil king. He stayed true to his calling regardless of any other factor.
• This armorbearer was as concerned about his leader’s honor as his leader was.
• He was instantly obedient.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer
As you consider the three important attributes of this armorbearer, evaluate your relationship with your leader in the same areas.

• Upon what is your loyalty to your leader based? Simply your assignment from God? How do your leader’s actions, character, and belief system affect your loyalty? What other factors are involved?
• Is the honor of your leader one of your chief concerns? Does this concern carry over into your actions? How?
• Are you instantly obedient, or do you question directives given to you? Do you argue or complain internally or to others?

Father God, if this Old Testament armorbearer could be so loyal to an evil king, surely I can be equally as loyal and obedient to the leader You’ve commissioned me to support. When times get tough, help me to recognize ways to honor him and show my loyalty to him. Amen.

Note: If a leader falls into sin or heresy, an armorbearer should look to God and other strong leaders to help in the restoration process. Rejoice at the repentance and the restoring of your leader to his God-called office. If the leader turns from any method of restoration, then a decision must be made as to whether or not you should break the relationship. An armorbearer’s loyalty is to God and the Word first. In this situation, you must look to the Lord for direction and keep yourself from any slanderous spirit. Continue in prayer for God to bring change to your leader’s heart.

Ways To Preserve Your Leader’s Honor

• Pray—Stay in prayer for his restoration.
• Love—Let him know that you love him but cannot condone the sin.
• Understanding—gain understanding from the situation. Examine your own heart and make a clear decision not to fall into the sin yourself.
• Don’t compromise—Under no circumstance should you compromise your standards or values that are based on the Word of God.
• Stay in faith—Keep in mind that your leader can turn back to God at any time and God will heal him. Be ready with open arms to help if he turns to you.

Source: God’s Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers