Why does posture matter? Mom said to sit up straight, but does it really matter?

I’ve been marketed to on social media to purchase those stretch-strap things (that’s the technical term) that go around your shoulders and help your posture. I bought one. I’ll report back.

But thinking about posture as merely an aesthetic issue is unhelpful. Sure, you’re probably more attractive when you’re not hunched over, but that’s not the main thing. Let’s go deeper…. Let’s talk about facing giants.

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off.” -1 Samuel 17:38-39

If you haven’t lately, read the entire story of David going face-to-face with the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17 in the Old Testament of the Bible). It’s fantastic. But there are so many subtleties and relevant lessons that are missed. Here’s one I find interesting… and I’m tying it to your POSTURE.

This story opens with the army of Israel cowering, hiding, and retreating in fear as the giant taunted them and disrespected their God.

What do people look like when they are fearful, anxious, uncertain? What is their body doing?

Slouching

Looking down

Moving slowly, timidly

Then, David calls BS, and with childlike naivety and courageous conviction he starts telling people that he’ll fight the giant. David—young and inexperienced; the non-soldier.

Word eventually reaches the Israeli King, Saul, who wants to meet the bold young man who isn’t afraid of the giant. David impresses Saul and wins him over. “Sure, you can fight him. Here’s all my armor to protect you.”

David tries it on but it doesn’t fit. It’s too big, too heavy, and not what David is used to. If he rejects the king’s armor, he risks looking like an ungrateful and naive idiot. But, then again, he can’t fight with it on. So he declines.

What does someone look like who’s wearing a larger, older leader’s heavy armor?

Slouching

Looking down

Moving slowly

Both fear and faking it hurt our posture. We will be weighed down by both.

Instead, reject fear and remove the expectations of others—they don’t fit.

Stand up straight and face your giant head-on. Face your day… Face your challenge… Face your family… Engage your future.

Stand up straight and be confident in who you are. There are giants to kill.

Experiment: Every time you look at the clock today, remind yourself to straighten up–head over hips and pull back chin. Stand up straight. Let your posture remind your heart and soul that you’re enough and your God is with you.