1 Samuel 17:38-39: So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his
head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. And David fastened his sword to his armor, and he
tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I
have not tested them.” So David took them off.
Students at Morningside High School knew Mr. Sullivan as a strict English teacher who would kick
them out of class for talking. But on August 6, 1997, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s
office kicked Mr. Sullivan out of class. It was discovered that Mr. Sullivan was really Willie Clifton
Wright, who was charged with numerous felonies for stealing the identity of a teacher at another
Los Angeles-area school. The imposter was uncovered when the real Robert Sullivan retired. For
the past ten years, Willie Wright had been posing as someone he really wasn’t.
With the best of intentions, Saul also tried to turn David into someone he really wasn’t. The young
shepherd was clothed in a suit of Saul’s armor and given the king’s sword. But at this point in his
life, this wasn’t who David was. He wasn’t a warrior; he was a shepherd. He wasn’t accustomed to
heavy armor and swords; his battles were fought with a slingshot and stones. Wisely, David
refused to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.
In the Christian faith, there are many outstanding examples of men and women who lived their
lives gloriously for God. Hudson Taylor adopted the dress and culture of the Chinese among
whom he ministered. D. L. Moody never closed a service without extending an invitation for
salvation. Amy Carmichael rescued thousands of young girls from serving as temple prostitutes in
India. But keep in mind, they are not you and you are not them.
Admire those whom God has used, but let Him show you how He wants to use the unique
combination of gifts and talents He’s given you. Be yourself, and let Him make the best you that
you can be.
THE BEST PERSON TO BE IS YOURSELF