1 Samuel chapter 17 verses 38-40 (NIV)
Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armour on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
Saul dressed David up to look like him so that he could act like Saul should have. It didn’t work; David wasn’t Saul. He had to be himself. He fought Goliath as he had fought other predators, under the hand of God.
It’s okay to emulate the habits and behaviours of people we admire and want to be like. We can learn a lot from people in this way. But the important thing to remember is that we are not them. We just need to be ourselves.
Not too long ago I heard someone that I admire spiritually speak of their early life in Christian leadership. She had learned much in her turn from another leader, and tried to emulate her ministry. This went on for some time, but then she felt God telling her to be herself. She obeyed. Her presentation changed. But the important thing was the anointing didn’t. God moves through her powerfully. Indeed, I would even say more so. God knows us best, and will use us as He pleases. He won’t turn us into a carbon copy. The only person we should truly try to be like is Jesus Himself.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder that You have a unique path and work for each of us to do. I don’t need to wear anyone else’s armour. Amen.