Along my journey, I have relied on the story of David and Goliath
often and for many purposes. Not only is it a wonderful story full of many lessons, but it is also a story that everyone knows. You can use it with almost any group and the audience “gets it”. While there is a strong message of faith in the story, it is coupled with lessons of purpose, direction, and courage.
Most everyone knows the story of the young shepherd who had the courage to face the giant when the rest of his army huddled in fear. Most know that rather than using the armor of another, David used the weapon he knew best, his sling and stones. Most know that David confidently approached the giant, slew him with one well-placed stone to the forehead. And most know that because of this victory, his army followed David into battle where they defeated their enemy.
However, there is another part of the story which has helped me become a stronger dad. This part comes when Goliath first comes on to the field of battle. He stands confidently looking across the field to where the opposing army is huddled together. Then, he boldly asks, “Why have you come to do battle?” In essence, he says, “Why are you here?” None of the enemy army responds. At first, it appears that they may just be frightened because of the imposing presence of the mighty giant warrior. However, as the story unfolds, it seems to me that part of the reason that they do not respond is because they do not know the answer to the question. Perhaps they do not know why they are there. Perhaps they do not have a good enough reason to risk their lives against this intimidating foe. Perhaps they do not have confidence because they do not have purpose.
But then enters the eventual hero, David. He has courage and conviction. He is sure of himself and his abilities. He is sure that his sling and stones will serve him better than the weapons that have been offered to him by the others. He carefully chooses his stones from the stream, then strides confidently across the field and confronts the giant. Again, Goliath questions David’s presence, just as he has the rest of the army. But then David does what no one else has done before. He answers the giant. He states his purpose. He tells Goliath why he has come. He says, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, so that all the earth may know there is a God in Israel…” He knew his purpose and he stated it confidently. From there he did what he declared he would do. He took a stone; he slung it; and slew the giant. The army followed David to victory.
I believe that the difference between the shepherd boy and the rest of the army was not in his skill with the sling, but the conviction of his purpose. Because he knew his purpose, he had direction. Because he had direction, he had the courage to accomplish his task.
I think about this question regularly. As I approach challenges, I ask myself the same question, “Why have I come to do battle?” Why am I here today? As I coach players, as I lead discussions, as I conduct meetings, as I lead my children; I simply ask why have I come here today. Answering that question defines my purpose. Having purpose gives me direction and direction instills confidence to proceed boldly. If I cannot answer that simple question, then I wonder whether I should be there.
Much of the current research suggests that our children have a similar issue. They go through the activities of their lives, but do not really understand why. Without purpose they lack direction. They lack enthusiasm. They lack courage. As a result, many of those young people get frustrated, then depressed. They become vulnerable to negative behaviors that can harm themselves or others. In any event, without a path forward they do not achieve their own unique potential.
Dads and mentors can help children define their path and purpose. Even at a young age they can focus on doing their best and building relationships. Perhaps as dads we need to identify part of our purpose as helping our children identify theirs; so kids can believe in why they have come to do battle.
Do your children know their purpose? Do they believe that good grades
and high scores are the ultimate goals? Or do they believe that those achievements enable them on the path to their real purpose? Those goals which include serving others, preserving the environment, achieving peace, eliminating discrimination and hatred. Keeping their focus on that purpose will give them energy, motivation and courage to work hard and attain the objectives needed to fulfill their unique purpose. For example, getting good grades allows one to achieve the goals of going to college, completing medical school and becoming a doctor. Being a doctor allows one to heal the sick. To care about others. To fulfill a purpose, not merely achievements.
Mark Twain once said that the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. More important than slaying the giant is understanding why you do. Purpose. By our presence, we can help our children find theirs.
