Built to Lastનમૂનો

A Surprising Example

When it comes to physical, mental, and spiritual health, there is a biblical character that captures all three:

Uriah the Hittite.

Often overlooked, we know him as Bathsheba’s husband and get only a glimpse into his character, but through it, we can see that he was an incredible man.

In 2 Samuel, we learn that Uriah is listed among King David’s “Mighty Men” (2 Samuel 23:39). Of all the hundreds of thousands of men in David’s army, only those on this elite list reached a level of true honor on the battlefield. He must have been a physically strong, fearless warrior at the forefront of every battle, and only a few outmatched his abilities.

But we also learn more about him in 2 Samuel 11. Uriah was off fighting David’s war when David committed adultery with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, getting her pregnant while her husband was away. After this, the king commands Uriah to come back to update him on the battle.

This is an interesting detail. Why would David ask for one of his best to leave the frontlines to simply update him?

The answer: David planned to cover up his own sin. But by doing so, Uriah had an opportunity to show his own mental and spiritual strength.

After serving Uriah drinks to the point of inebriation, David sent him home in hopes that Uriah would enjoy intimate time with his wife, and therefore the pregnancy could be attributed to Uriah’s visit.

But Uriah, being the faithful soldier he is, does something unexpected and sleeps outside the king’s gate instead of his own bed.

When David questioned him as to why, Uriah’s answer was clear:

“The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” (2 Samuel 11:11 NIV)

Despite his drunken state, Uriah showed incredible mental strength to make the right choice to honor his fellow soldiers.

And in that same verse, Uriah shows his spiritual strength by honoring the ark and the LORD.

As Christian men, when it comes to our physical, mental, and spiritual health, Uriah shows us that all three are connected, and as we grow in one, we have a greater capacity to grow in the others.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving me examples of men who have shown me how to be stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. Help me grow closer to You as I learn from them. Amen.

Reflection: Who is a man in your life you can learn from? And who is learning from you and your example?

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