Penned by Frances Havergal in 1874 are words of an inspiring hymn known by the first two words in each of its three verses. We have long been impressed with the boldness of its choral refrain: “Peal out the watchword! Silence it never!” It is well-suited to an appeal to march forward with the gospel of Christ. But a closer look at “True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted” reveals a call to faithfulness, loyalty, and “fullest allegiance” to the one we have made “King of our lives.”
Faithfulness is more than a Sunday habit and loyalty is more than mere profession. Because faithfulness is more than a Sunday habit, we cannot judge another’s faithfulness simply by observing their attendance. Faithfully attending worship services is but one indication that a disciple is true and whole-hearted in their service to Christ. When Jesus exhorted the church at Smyrna to “Be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10), He had much more in mind than the worship assembly. Faithfulness is also measured by how we use the talents and opportunities God has given to us (Mt. 25:23). Likewise, it is connected to whether or not we follow the Spirit’s instructions as found in God’s word or choose, instead, to walk after the flesh (Gal. 5:16-23). But, be assured that those who ultimately overcome with Jesus are “the called, the chosen, and the faithful.”
It is often the case that, in inspired poetry, the second line explains the first. Concerning loyalty, Solomon writes, “Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?” Loyalty is more than emotion – it is trustworthiness. Paul simply stated that “it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Cor. 4:2). In another Old Testament passage, after bemoaning the fickle nature of Judah’s loyalty which resembled a morning cloud that quickly disappears, Hosea cited these familiar words revealing God’s preference: “For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). Because “loyalty” is replaced by “in the knowledge of God” in the second half of the verse, the knowledge under discussion is not mere intellectual knowledge but relational knowledge – knowing God by walking with Him. It is best explained by this admonition in the immediate context: “So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord” (Hos. 6:3).
Let us resolve to be “true-hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal….Freely surrendered and wholly [His] own.” Let us “freely and joyously” show “valiant endeavor and loving obedience” to Him who truly is the “King of our lives”!
— Glen Elliott —