Category: Devotional Thoughts

“I got your back!”

One of my buddies said that to me a few days ago. I knew these weren’t empty words—he has proven himself to be a loyal friend.

For some reason this reminded me of a story in the Old Testament. Saul (Israel’s first king) was at war with their archenemies, the Philistines. His son Jonathan decided to go on a secret mission—so secret that even his father didn’t know about it. He planned to raid a Philistine outpost with only one companion: his young armor-bearer. Here’s how his trusted assistant responded to the seemingly foolish plan:

“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
-1st Samuel 14:7

Armor-bearers, as the name implies, were responsible for carrying and maintaining an important soldier’s shield and weapons. They also served as personal assistants, presumably chosen for their loyalty and bravery. A lesser man may have told Jonathan all the reasons the plan wouldn’t work—but not an armor-bearer.

Their raid was incredibly successful: the Bible says they “killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre” (vs. 14). Jonathan had the Lord’s help, of course. But he also had the help of a fellow warrior. Someone had his back.

I have to admit something here: the older I get, the shorter the list of people I truly trust. I’ve had plenty of life experiences to reinforce my already cynical disposition. But sometimes all you need is God and one or two good “armor-bearers”—true friends who will fight for you or with you if needed.

Be sure to thank God for the “armor-bearers” in your life.

Last weekend I had the privilege of preaching at the vesper service for my church (UBC).  I preached on Six Lessons from the Life of Solomon.

One thing I talked about was the integrity required to correctly handle success and prosperity.  Solomon was the wisest man in the world, yet it seems his success went to his head.  He forgot that everything ultimately belongs to God.

I believe one of Solomon’s problems was a lack of accountability in his life.  This is speculation I suppose, but it makes sense to me.  A king was absolutely sovereign in ancient times–you could be executed for walking into his presence with a frown on your face.   I wonder how many people were willing to tell him exactly what they thought of his massive harem and temples to false gods.

The Inner Circle Concept

I mentioned my inner circle at this point in the message, and I’d like to expand on it just a little.  There are three guys in my life that I can tell about anything to.  One of them is a college buddy that has known me since I was a teenager.  A couple of them are friends I’ve met since moving to the Philippines.  These friends have earned my trust–something that isn’t easy with a cynic like me.  They also have permission to give me advice.

You may have a different name for it, but you get the concept.  Past presidents, for example, often had what they called a “kitchen crew.”  It consisted of guys they had known since childhood–guys who were not enamored with the president’s title.

Lessons from the Lion 

Even he needs help

I’ll give you an example from the natural world.  The lion is known as the “king of the jungle” for good reason–it is the apex predator on the African plain.  The majestically crowned male is charged with protecting his offspring from other predators.  He does this very well–few animals will dare challenge this heavily muscled beast.

But even the king does better with help.  A single male lion can be overpowered by two or three rivals–I’ve seen it happen (remember, I’m a nature show nerd).   Prides are much safer when under the protection of a pair of male lions.

Accountability in Action

I’ll give you the same challenge I gave my listeners:  build your own inner circle.   Find one or two friends (same sex) that you can be completely honest with–friends that will be honest with you in return.   The encouragement will get you through the tough times and make the victories that much sweeter.  You’ll also have a valuable source of honest feedback when making decisions.


Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
-Ecclesiastes 4:12