Character CheckSample

DITCH THE KING’S ARMOR

One of the most significant moments of David’s life was when he killed Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath would shout and taunt the Israelites, leaving them terrified. Jesse sent David to take food to his brothers in Saul’s army and report how they were doing. David heard Goliath’s taunts and insisted on fighting him. Saul allowed this and gave David his own armor to wear in battle. David tried on the king’s armor to see what it was like, but David quickly realized he could not fight in Saul’s armor because was not used to it. Instead, David picked up five smooth stones from a stream and placed them in his shepherd’s bag. He went into battle against Goliath only carrying his shepherd’s staff and sling. 

Hidden within this famous story of David’s faith and victory in the Lord is a lesson in staying true to who you are when doing what God has called you to do. David had the opportunity to prove himself as a worthy warrior. He had the chance to prove why he was anointed to be king, and what better way to do it than by wearing the king’s armor in battle? But as soon as he tried the armor on, it must have become clear to David that trying to be someone he was not at such a critical moment would not lead to success in battle. 

You have to stay true to who God has created you to be in order to do what He has prepared you for.

Part of having integrity is simply being honest, and pretending to be anyone other than who you really are can be a hindrance to your God-given destiny. You are God’s masterpiece, and He has created you uniquely with a specific purpose in mind. The more you discover and embrace who God has created you to be, the easier it is to fulfill His calling on your life with integrity.

Do you need to ditch the king’s armor and become more confident in who God says you are?