It’s tempting to look around and simply copy other men’s strategies and tools for life and work. And, of course, there is a lot we can learn from them. But we must not neglect the grace God has given us to do certain things well. We must have the courage to fight with our own sling.
Before facing Goliath, David was offered King Saul’s armor. And this seemed only reasonable. Saul was a warrior and his armor was proven. What better armor to take into a fight than the king’s very own? But David quickly realized he could not fight in someone else’s armor because he had not tested it himself. He took with him instead his own sling. What he had already practice privately he was now ready to use against Goliath.
In the same way, our strength is restricted when we try to adopt what belongs to someone else. To be sure, there’s much wisdom to learn and many qualities we can emulate as we observe others. But we should not mistake their gifts for our own. We admire their greatness because they’re embodying the personal glory God has given them. And we must do the same.
What is the work we know how to do well, the voice that is naturally ours to speak, the burdens we actually care about, or the particular relationships entrusted to us? These might not be impressive or popular. But they’re our sling – our unique gifts, perspectives, and connections for bringing more life and goodness into the world. They’ve been tested over the years whether we’ve recognized it or not. And all too often we remain stuck in life because we’re trying to use weapons fashioned for someone else.
To kill your giant you must remember to take off Saul’s armor and fight with your own sling.
