Of all the stories in the Bible, one of the most well known is that of David and Goliath. Even if it wasn’t told to you in felt-cutout characters and coloring books in Sunday school, you no doubt have heard the metaphor used to describe just about any underdog story. It is the classic boy-faces-giant-and-comes-out-on-top tale that we all love.

But whenever I read the story I am always struck by the fact that David was allowed to go fight the giant. How did a non-soldier, who was essentially was just bringing lunch, end up saving all of Israel from the Philistines? With all of the ranks of the Israelite army arrayed for battle, how did one teenager get to pick a fight with the giant?

There was a lot at stake here. Goliath, a nine to twelve foot giant, was telling Israel to send a champion to fight him. If Goliath won, all of Israel would be overrun by Philistine captors. Strategy would tell us to pick our biggest, tallest, most fearsome fighter in the army and send him. Fight strength with strength. But King Saul was convinced to let a teenage boy go in against a giant with the fate of Israel resting on the outcome of the battle.

So, what convinced King Saul? Well, from a straightforward reading of the chapter, I would say it was David’s skill at fighting the bear and the lion. At first, being so accustomed to the story, this doesn’t seem like much­ - surely not enough to send a young man into battle against a well-trained giant. But then I think hang on, this is a bear and a lion. A bear and a lion! David ran down a LION, and killed it. He didn’t shoot it with a gun from a distance. He chased it, grabbed it and put it down with his bare hands. No wonder King Saul was impressed. I would be too.  

A few months ago I was sitting in my church’s business class. The teacher had asked us a question – “What verse might best describe your purpose for starting a business?” As we went around the room, the answers ranged from verses on prosperity to verses on ministry to John 3:16 to the great commission. Since I was sitting near the back of the room I had a moment to think about my answer. The verse that kept coming to me was different than everyone else’s verse. I kept thinking of “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” (which turns out to be Proverbs 22:29). In a way, that surprised me. My purpose for starting my business was because I wanted to stand before Kings and priests?

But the more I think about it, maybe that’s not such a bad reason for investing my talents and expanding my skills. Acquiring an expertise is a great way to land you in prime opportunities to influence people. I mean, the Olympic committee didn’t approach Tiesto for the opening ceremonies because he knows how to play a record. Bono doesn’t speak before Presidents and Prime Ministers because he can hold a C-note. When you are the best at what you do, you draw attention. And like King Saul was with David, many people can be influenced by someone with expertise.

And I am not talking about fame here. I am not talking about striving to be the best so you can make it onto the A-lists of important people. That is the self-indulgent, ego-driven mission that is far too prevalent in much of today’s culture. What I am suggesting though is that your talents and skills will open doors that may be closed to anyone else. These open doors are perfect opportunities to be used by God to make a difference in the world.

So, let’s bring this down to the applicable side for a minute. What do you excel at? Whether you are a DJ, a producer, a dancer, an event organizer, a writer, or a web designer, your skill will put you in divine appointments for influencing people. Add this to the list of reasons why you strive to be the best at what you do. When you become remarkable people take notice. Maybe you will find yourself in the Oval Office because of your DJ skills. Maybe you will find yourself on television because of your music production talents. Maybe you will find yourself on a prominent committee because of your event planning talents.     

I have no doubt that there are some giant-slayers on TastyFresh. In fact, I could probably make a list right now. But we may never make it onto the battlefield unless we have a lion or two on our résumé. When you strive for excellence in what you do, and dedicate yourself to making the most of your skills, you open a door for God to use you in amazing ways. Imagine where you might end up. Imagine what God might have planned for you. Imagine how many giants you might slay.

You may just find yourself standing before a King Saul, but only your lion killing skills will get you onto the battlefield.