Honor In A Messy World

I carefully lurched down the steps of my cabin, heading straight for the herbal tea to soothe my sore throat. Once I opened the tea, I saw a little quote attached to the bag which stated, “The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment.” Heading back upstairs, I mulled over my opinion on the statement. If the reason for life is to enjoy every moment, man, I’m really screwing up. What happens when a dad walks away from his family, when a soldier dies while serving his country, or when people intentionally seek to do you harm? None of those situations are enjoyable.

Because of a really hard time in my life involving my father, I have grown to appreciate honorable, steady men. Some girls with “dad problems” fill the gap by pursuing affection from guys, some become strong-willed independent feminists who “don’t need no man”, and some fall into the “normal” group. I lean more toward the feminist category and have a desire to be allowed to do the things men can, but let’s be honest, men have more power. The facts, even in today’s culture, are clear that men have greater opportunities in the industrial work force, among other things. Admitting this doesn’t make it right, but it forces me to realize the role they play in society. I also know with power comes great responsibility. Men who recognize this and live accordingly are beyond admirable. Movies like The Lone survivor, Gladiator, and Braveheart leave me feeling inspired, not jealous or threatened. My all-time favorite story of an honorable man though, was told a long time ago.

Once there was soldier named Uriah who fought in an army belonging to, what seemed like, a good king. Spring time came around, which was a time kings typically would go fight with their men, but the king in this story stays in his palace, sending his army out to defeat a group of people called the Ammonites. Already, the king seems like a coward, and I often wonder why he did not go fight alongside those who were loyal to him.

One day, the King decided to take a walk and look out at his kingdom. While he was gazing at his property a strikingly stunning woman on a roof, named Bathsheba, caught his attention. Being enamored by her beauty he sent a man to find out more about her. When the man returned, he informed the King that she was the wife of Uriah, who, at the time, was away fighting. Bathsheba was summoned to come to the palace and the king slept with her, which caused a multitude of consequences. Later, Bathsheba informed David, the King, that she was with child. Major panic broke out in the king’s heart and he began to formulate ways to cover up his mistake. Uriah was called home from battle under the presumption that he was to give an account to David about the war. Uriah arrived and told the king all he needed to know, then King David told him to go home and get some rest, hoping that later, when Bathsheba told him she was pregnant, Uriah would assume he was the father. But being the noble man he was, he stayed with King David’s servants at the Palace. The king found out and questioned him, “Haven’t You just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?” Uriah said, “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!”

David tried one more time to get Uriah to go home, but he refused, even when he was completely drunk. Uriah was loyal to his men, and denied enjoying home life. Eventually, David had enough and sent a letter to Joab, Uriah’s commander, saying to put Uriah on the frontline and for all the men to draw back from him when the enemy came, so that Uriah would surely die. All this took place as the king commanded. David and his men now had an innocent man’s blood on their hands. Uriah died with passion and nobility. David did not get away with what he had done and later had to bear severe, long-lasting, consequences. I have read the account of this story in 2 Samuel: 11 many times.
Almost every man in my family, for many generations, has been in some branch of the military. Both of my great grandfathers, who are still alive, have told me stories about their time in service. Both are proud of their country and were willing to fight or even die for it if necessary. The military isn’t fun from what I’ve heard. My step- brother is in the Army right now and he recounted basic training to me while we were together at Christmas. It sounded like it sucked, but he enjoys it. He loves putting all he’s got into being a man with integrity, ready to protect the things he believes in.

Though Uriah lived a long time ago, his story is relatable today. So many men and women are brave and follow their leaders, for better or worse. Some leaders deserve this radical trust, some do not. Either way, the people putting their lives on the line for a cause they believe in is courageous and worthy of our admiration.

The story of Uriah is just one example of an upright man. I see good men and women all the time, especially where I work. Men tend to stick out to me more when they rise above what I believed they could be though, due to past experiences. As a slight feminist, it has become incredibly important to identify traits I admire in the opposite sex, so as to not become bitter or jealous. I enjoying recognizing strengths in people, whether men or women, and continue to be amazed at the good I see in others when I look for it. Hard times will come; difficult things in life will arise. Enjoying every moment is not likely, but having hope in difficult circumstances and focusing on serving others is possible.