David was commended by God as “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). But when I think of David, two significant events surface: when he took down Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32-50), and when he committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-5). One showed David’s victorious faith; the other his notorious sin and defeat.

Because David had been undefeated for the past 20 years, he was overconfident and negligent in his vigilance when he chose not to lead his men to war (2 Samuel 11:1). He was indulgent, snoozing in bed until the evening (2 Samuel 11:2). When he got up, he saw “a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath” (2 Samuel 11:2). This is a caution for men to be careful what they view (Job 31:1; Proverbs 6:25; Matthew 5:27-29).

The servant gave David a veiled warning: “She is Bathsheba, . . . the wife of Uriah” (2 Samuel 11:3). She was a married woman! But David was unrestrained in his sexual pursuits (Deuteronomy 17:17; 2 Samuel 5:13). He didn’t tame his sexual lust (2 Samuel 5:3-4). As king, he believed he was accountable to no one (Deuteronomy 17:19-20).

But Bathsheba became pregnant (2 Samuel 11:5). So David tried to make it look like Uriah was the father (2 Samuel 11:6-13). When that failed, he plotted Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11:14-15). David broke five commandments: adultery, stealing, murder, lying, and coveting (Exodus 20:13-17).

If a spiritual giant like David could sin so grievously, surely you and I are equally capable of similar or worse failures (1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:1). So let’s admit we’re vulnerable and call out for God’s strength. By His grace, we will resist temptation when it calls (Romans 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 10:1-18