King David shows us just how we can slay the “giants” of our sinful passions, such as arrogance and pride, through his triumph over Goliath (HT: OSB):

“I was small among my brothers and the youngest in my father’s house;
I tended my father’s sheep.
My hands built a musical instrument;
My fingers tuned a lyre.
And who shall tell my Lord?
The Lord Himself, He Himself hears.
He sent forth His Angel and took me from my father’s sheep;
And he anointed me with his anointing oil.
My brothers were handsome and tall, but the Lord took no pleasure in them.
I went out to meet the foreigner, and he cursed me with his idols;
But I drew his own sword and beheaded him, and removed disgrace from the children of Israel.”
Psalm 151

In this, we see that it is not through “greatness” that one conquers the enemy, but through humility (“… the Lord supports the humble-minded with glory.” Proverbs 29.23).

David was not “handsome and tall” like his brothers, and yet the Lord was merciful towards him and David slew “the foreigner” — Goliath — through his smallness and humility, bearing the sword of God.

We need not be the richest, the smartest or the most beautiful (in the world’s eyes) in order to conquer the passions.

We need only rely on the Lord and live a life of simplicity and humility before Him, relying on Him for strength and the Holy Spirit (e.g. the “anointing oil” above) to guide us in our efforts towards salvation.