Check The Label

Check the Label

Bible Blast: Read 1 Samuel 18:1-7

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

Lisa was in fourth grade, and she wanted to be the spelling bee champion. But she had a problem: Jeffrey. He’d been the class bully ever since she’d known him.

One day in third grade, Lisa had gotten a bad grade on a spelling test. Jeffrey found out and started chanting, “Lisa’s dumb! She can’t spell!” It was as if he took a big label that said, “Loser Lisa,” and attached it to her shirt. Lisa pretended the bullying didn’t bother her, but it really did.

One year later, Lisa’s mom asked her if she wanted to sign up for the spelling bee. Lisa looked down at her feet and said quietly, “I used to want to.” Her mom said, “That’s wonderful!” Lisa burst into tears and said, “I can’t! I’m dumb! I’m a loser!” Lisa’s mom grabbed her by the shoulders, looked her in the eyes, and said, “You are not dumb, Lisa. You are a very intelligent girl who God created! If you want to be in the spelling bee, God will give you the strength to do it!”

That day it was like Lisa’s mom tore off the label of “Loser Lisa” that Lisa had secretly been wearing since first grade and put on a new label of “Smart Girl.” With her mom’s encouragement and help, Lisa knew she could compete in the Spelling Bee.

The Bible teaches that when David was a young boy, he tended the sheep while his brothers were in King Saul’s army. David’s brothers put the label of “Shepherd” on him, but God had other labels for David in mind. To God, David was “Commander” and “Warrior.”

Names people call us when we’re little can affect us during our whole lives if we let them. Ask God today to tear off any bad labels you’re wearing. Then start calling yourself the opposite of that label. For example, if you feel like you’re wearing a label that says, “Weak,” start calling yourself “Strong in the Lord!”