Loyal to a T

I've always loved this quote. The best possible way to show someone that we love them is to be loyal - no matter what. However, I feel that many people don't fully understand what it means to be loyal - especially when it comes to your spouse. There are so many different opportunities to be unfaithful and not even realize it. Satan makes it easier and easier to justify. If we are to be and remain faithful, we must understand the temptations and dangers that are all around us.

So, how do we know if something we are doing and/or faced with can lead to a lack of loyalty to our spouse? President Ezra Taft Benson gave this suggestion: "A good question to ask ourselves is this: Would my spouse be pleased if he or she knew I was doing this?" [2] We can ask ourselves this question on a daily basis in many different circumstances. Maybe it's about how we talk to a co-worker of the opposite sex. Maybe it's what we are viewing/sharing on the internet. Maybe it's just a thought or fantasy about someone other than our significant other. Whatever it may be, as we apply this question to the situation, we will be more accurately guided to know whether we are being faithful or not. 

Dr. Brent Barlow is quoted as saying, "Implied are at least three elements that characterize successful stewardship: (1) agency, (2) diligence, and (3) accountability. We may accept or reject the opportunity to become a steward, but once we accept the responsibility, we are expected to exert great effort, as indicated in the parable of the talents. We are expected to improve or enhance what we have been given. Ultimately there will be an accounting of one kind of another of our various stewardships." [3] If we view our relationship with our spouse as a stewardship, we will feel more inclined to do all we can to actively remain faithful and loyal to them.

Resources ~

[1] https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng

[2] “The Law of Chastity,” BYU1987-88 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1988], p. 52.

[3]What Husbands Expect of Wives, 1989, p. 60