Just as David made a difference, you can make a difference in the lives of others -- in your family, school, church, community, and world! The world needs you -- your ideas, your compassion, and your spiritual outlook. And, it's never too late to start contributing. The best gifts are those from the heart.

Background Information (Read the story in I Samuel 17)
One of the most famous battles in the Bible took place between only two individuals -- David and Goliath. Goliath, who was HUGE, challenged anyone from the Israelite army to fight him. The loser's nation would become enslaved to the nation of the winner. While this strategy is rather efficient in saving the lives of thousands of men, it was also frightening to the Israelites: they assumed they would lose, and with good reason. But David, who had come to the battlefield to deliver goods to his older brothers and the captains, was riled up by Goliath's ego, insults, and dare. Golaith had defied God! David volunteered to fight him. King Saul outfitted David with armor and weapons, but David couldn't even walk with the armor on him (he had never worn it before), so he took it off and relied on what he did know how to use -- his sling. He had used it against lions and bears who tried to eat the sheep he was tending. So David selected some stones and slew Goliath with his sling. A shepherd boy killed the greatest Philistine warrior.

You can make a difference by being as strong as David.

1. David refused to give in to fear.
2. He refused to let size make a difference.
3. He volunteered when no one else would.
4. He stood up for his nation and his God.
5. He was confident in his ability to succeed with God.
6. David used the tools he had and relied on what he knew (he had tested his sling; he knew he could use it effectively).
7. He "ran" to meet Goliath (I Sam. 17:48).
8. David saved his people from the domination of the Philistines.

Ways you can make a difference:
Are there any Goliaths in your life? Are there any problems that are looming large trying to make you fearful and thus give up?

1. This month's Hot Topic provides ways for us not to feel "overwhelmed" by our "Goliaths." You may want to read it.
2. Be a David and confidently run to meet challenges, knowing that God has given you everything you need to succeed. Every problem has its own unique solution. The best way to find the solution is to pray -- to get quiet and listen for God's direction. You may need a lot of courage, stamina, and persistence. But you can do it, and it's worth it.

Be a David in your educational environment:
Is there something at your school or college that you would like to see improved or changed? Different class selections, a stronger arts program, better supplies and technology, more money spent in the classroom, higher pay for teachers, a cleaner campus, more school spirit, a more ethical environment (tough standards on cheating, drinking, etc.)?

Don't wait for someone else to stand up and "fight" for what is right and good. You be David and volunteer to work and lead others in your fight for a more complete, well-rounded, compassionate, spirited, and principled education.

1. First and foremost -- pray. Listen to God and let God direct your every step.
2. Out of all the issues at your campus, decide which are the most significant to you. Choose 1 or 2 to address.
3. Write up the reason why they're important to your school community. Write a "purpose statement" to persuade people.
4. Get support from students, teachers, and parents, and other significant individuals.
5. Utilize the student government body.
6. Brainstorm ways to solve the problems. Think about all the different possible solutions and their consequences.
7. Decide what tools you already have and what you do best. Use your skills.
8. Create the best possible plan and pursue it. Set specific goals and track your success.
9. In order to activate your best solutions, you may have to take several steps. You could:
   1. start a petition which you'll submit to the correct people;
   2. find a teacher who is willing to teach a new class;
   3. have a letter-writing campaign and send letters to the principal or superintendent;
   4. go to the open board meetings and make a presentation (and have a lot of people there supporting you);
   5. ask for a meeting with the principal or superintendent;
   6. start a new club at school which is focused on solving problems on campus;
   7. get a group of people together to go to all the after-school activities (games, plays, music concerts, art shows, speech and debate competitions).

If you see problems in your home community, you can do many of the same things. You just have to go through the proper political channels.

Unlike David, it may take more than one smooth stone to knock your Goliaths to the ground. Persistence, dedication, moral courage, and hard work will aid you in achieving your goals. Don't let yourself be defeated. Remember, David was confident in God. And so are you!