I Kings 2:1,2
“As David’s time to die drew near, he commanded his son Solomon, saying, I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man.'”
David charges Solomon to be strong and prove himself a man. This sounds self reliant. It would, but for verse three. It says to walk with God, trust Him and follow the commandments. David is saying that this is what a man does. Our culture is confused about gender roles. It's changing it's definition often. We can take David's words as part of a definition.
Genesis 2:15 says, "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it." He was to grow his food, he was to be a farmer. He was to use his strength and endurance to do so.
Are we all to be farmers? No, but we are to do things with our skills. That means different things to different people. Jason Aldean says in one of his songs, "If it's broke, we fix it." Our culture throws broken things away. Producers make products that are meant to have a relatively short life. Cars are no longer meant to last decades. This isn't a sin, but they are getting further away from quality. They are sending the message that we aren't to fix things, they are meant to be disposable.
It also doesn't mean we are all to be out doors. Genesis 25:27 says this about Isaac's sons; "When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home." Jacob was chosen of God. Being strong, doesn't mean we have to be the strongest. We are to be able and capable with the abilities we've been given.
Ephesians 6:10 gives balance to David's words, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." Ignoring the spiritual world is foolish. Paul gives the reason in verse 12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Those who are unaware of the spiritual world don't know this.
There is God and His children and there is the devil and his followers. There are plenty of others who haven't decided to follow either side. God says if we don't choose Him, then that is choosing to be against Him. The rest is the great undecided. Both God and the devil are warring for them.
The devil also has the worldly culture on his side. It belittles God and His followers. It attempts to shame those who turn towards God. It tells us godly views are out of date or unscientific.
Our fleshly nature tends towards sin and indulgence. It's a gravitational pull within us. We need God's help to overcome the world and our fleshly nature. So, to be strong we have to lean on God.
Those outside of God can see either themselves or others that have been overcome with addictions or infidelity. Bad choices. They see glimpses of the spiritual. Some seek answers while others continue to ignore it.
Some get through life without God and can be happy and have a good family. But there is a huge portion they are missing. The devil leaves some alone. If he were to mess with them, they may run to God for help. By being at ease they are in his camp.
Going back to Ephesians about being strong in the Lord. Verse 11 says, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." v. 14 says to put on truth like a belt. Our belts keep our pants up. When attempting to work while keeping our pants up is difficult. Truth keeps us in the right way, out of the shadows. Keep a clean conscience. V. 14 also says to put on the breastplate of righteousness. This protects our hearts. We are righteous in Christ, not by ourselves. Don't let the devil condemn our hearts when we mess up. Ask for forgiveness and move on.
Verse 15 says to put on our feet the preparation of the gospel of peace. Where ever we walk we are to be prepared to share the good news of Christ. Verse 16 says to take up the shield of faith, so we can extinguish the devils fiery darts. Keep trusting God and His Word. Know that He will work all out for His good. It may not make sense, but trust Him. Verse 17 says to put on the helmet of salvation. We've been saved and are walking in His kingdom and will step over into heaven when we die. Rejoice in that. This verse also says to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, the bible. We are to have a constant intake of His Word. Read it, go to church, listen to sermons and encourage others with it. God's Word is alive, it blesses and changes us. It does so to others when we share it.
These verse describe armor for battle. Putting it on keeps us strong in the Lord. David is telling Solomon to be a man and to be strong. Looking at the bible as a whole, putting on the armor is how we are to be strong. Thank You, God. Help us to put on that armor and to be strong.