2 Samuel 2: Personal Courage

"So they got up and were counted off - 12 for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and 12 from David's soldiers."

2 Samuel 2:15

All twenty four of these men, along with many others who followed, gave their lives in the service of their kings.  Some fought for a man whose father had been the king - these men were willing to give their lives for a pagan practice of passing kingship on from father to son.  The others fought for a man who had led by Godly example ever since he left his sheep to be Israel's champion against a giant - these men were willing to give their lives for a man who was anointed by their God and led with righteousness.  The first group were cowards who feared change.  The latter group were men of courage, literally giving their all to protect righteousness.

Personal courage is the seventh and final core value of the US Army.  I think it's fitting to make courage the last on the list, especially because the Army's understanding of courage includes the idea I mentioned above.  Courage isn't just facing fear, danger, or adversity.  Courage is the willingness to face all of those things in order to protect right.  Any man can get in a fight.  A courageous man will only fight for the right cause.

Question of the Day:

When was the last time you faced fear, danger, or adversity as a part of protecting righteousness?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, give me the strength to be courageous in Your name.  Do not let me fight or argue unjustly, but instead give me the wisdom to know which causes are worth fighting for.  Help me to lead others by this example and teach those around me to show righteous courage in all that they do.  Amen.