1 Chronicles 11:41

The mention of Uriah the Hittite as one of King David's "30 mighty men" reminds me that unchecked sin in our lives destroys healthy relationships. Uriah was one of the men David could most trust. Along with his companions, Uriah had vowed to David, "We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you..." (1 Chronicles 12:18) Because of their esteem for David, these men were willing to sacrifice their very lives so that David might be protected and provided for. They loved him and would do anything for him. And he loved them.

But when David allowed himself to drift from the LORD by his own idolatries and lust, he lost his ability to truly value these friends and trusted loyalties. Uriah was Bathsheba's husband. And David intentionally had him killed to cover his own sins with Bathsheba. God's call on David (and us) to be faithful to him  -  to not let any other gods rule our lives  -  is designed to protect our ability to value the people God has brought to bless us. When we resist temptation and actively allow his law and his love to work in us, we are protected from clouded judgment  -  the clouded judgment that would treat our most important relationships as cheap. 

O Lord, help me to daily recognize and root out my own idolatries so that I may properly appreciate and value the people you have placed in my life. Unwillingness to deal with counterfeit gods will keep me from loving well those you have gifted me with. May the grace of Jesus help me create space in my daily schedule to be renewed in your love and grace. In contrast to King David who covered his own misdeeds by sending his friend to his death, David's greater son Jesus covered our misdeeds by giving up his own life so that we might be redeemed. Thank you for him. Keep my heart stayed on Jesus' grace and love this day. I want my love for you and others to flourish in the fresh awareness of your love for me. You are a gracious Creator and kind Redeemer. I pray this not only for myself but also for Christ's church universal. Amen