LOYALTY and obedience are values we all aim for.

When I was a junior officer during our PMT (Preparatory Military Training) in high school, ages ago, our senior officers introduced us to the words, "Loyalty" and "Obedience" with this simple quote:

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"Be loyal and obey, and say nothing wrong about the organization you belong to. Only after you leave, may you damn it with all your heart".

Being 13-year-old, I took those words to heart. I looked up to my superiors and leaders and believed every word they said.

After four decades and three years, do I still agree with the quote? Do you?

If I were part of the military, I guess a quick "Yes" would be an appropriate answer. The words are part and parcel of being a soldier.

However, with the many coup d'etats, rebellions, mutinies, and revolutions, as well as several abusive and corrupt administrations we have experienced in the last 40 years, the above saying has been clouded and subjected to various interpretations.

One could no longer follow "blindly". To be "loyal" and "obedient", one had to factor in the integrity of who was in command, and one had to consider the "legitimacy" and "constitutionality" of the order. From being absolute traits, loyalty and obedience have become relative and subjective in the military.

I am no soldier. I am a businessman. Does the above quote have a place in the business arena?

Although the issues at the workplace do not pertain to higher ideals of "democracy" and "freedom", I believe "loyalty" and "obedience" should be present in any enterprise.

The owners set forth the vision and the mission of the company. They provide the parameters and the guidelines, which guide management in formulating and implementing policies and procedures. The owners or top management sets even company values.

For progressive companies with "open door" policies, each member of the team is encouraged to discuss any issue or policy with management, especially when one has a different opinion regarding established policies and procedures.

However, once discussed and decisions have been made, it is incumbent upon everyone to follow. (Except when the acts required to be performed are evil or sinful) Without loyalty and obedience, disorder and disharmony will follow.

Do you have problems being loyal and obedient to your leaders, your superiors, or your business organization?

* * * * *

My dearest children and everyone under authority, I have been rereading the Purpose Driven Life book and it talks about obedience to God.

Allow me to share some ideas I have picked up.

* Obedience delayed is disobedience.
* Understanding can wait but obedience cannot.
* You will never understand some commands until you obey them first.
* Obedience unlocks understanding.
* Partial obedience is disobedience.
* Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm.

I believe that the above concepts apply not only to our relationship with God, but they apply also to employer-employee relationships.

If followed, work gets done faster. Teamwork is facilitated. And business goals are achieved. In the end, everyone wins!

It would help to remember the bible phrase: Ephesians 6:7 "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men".

* Thank you to each of you who have prayed and given donations for "Pepeng" typhoon victims thru Sunshine, McDonald's, and Veniz. May God repay your generosity and bless you bountifully.

For comments and feedback, pls. Text the author at 0917-5064759 or email him at
"mydearest_sunstar@yahoo.com"