This summer, I was responsible for an intergenerational Sunday school class looking at classic Bible stories. The idea was to take the classic stories we remember from our childhood Vacation Bible School days and look at them from different perspectives. My favorite was the class I taught on David and Goliath. You know the classic: little David fells the giant Goliath with a single stone from his sling. It is a classic underdog story. When you look closely, though, there is so much more to the story. One particular element has had me thinking all summer.

When David tells King Saul with confidence that he will go forward into battle, King Saul dismisses him for a variety of rational reasons. David is persistent. He trusts God’s plan for the people of Israel. He knows he will succeed. King Saul finally agrees, but the first thing he does is insist David borrow the king’s armor. After all, who would send an unprotected young boy into an epic battle like this? David concedes and puts on the armor. He soon realizes that he is unable to move. The armor is too heavy. So, he removes it and goes forward to slay the giant with the tools that are familiar to him.

There is a lesson for us as businesswomen in this story. How often do we approach our businesses wearing someone else’s armor—using their tools—when we don’t really feel comfortable? We see or hear that things need to be a certain way and start to doubt our authentic selves. We forget the unique set of gifts that God gave each one of us and try to be someone else.

Step back, and look at your business. Are you being true to your God-given mission? Have you allowed the ideas and suggestions of others to change what you are offering? Is your authentic voice clear in all that you do and say? Take a lesson from David, and don’t try to go into battle wearing someone else’s armor.

Heidi Kleine is an inspirational speaker, author, coach, and Christian Faith Formation professional. Her motto for life is Strong Body, Strong Mind, Strong Faith. Mother to four beautiful daughters, Heidi spent years living in a state of overwhelm, overweight, and over commitment, all while being undernourished physically and spiritually. By embracing the Strong Body, Strong Mind, Strong Faith motto, she was able to transform her life, losing over 100 pounds (and keeping it off) and starting a coaching practice to share her insights with other women who find themselves stuck. Learn more about Heidi at www.heidikleinecoaching.com.