Lessons from the Karate Kid
Last Sunday I dug up some old memories from the movie Karate Kid from 1984. It’s a classic that many of us grew up with. For those unfamiliar, it’s about a high school boy named Daniel who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi, an old Japanese master. Mr. Miyagi's methods are unconventional—like making Daniel wax cars and paint fences—but beneath these tasks lie lessons in discipline and skill.
An Unusual Lesson Plan
This story reminds us of how we often learn through unexpected means. Have you ever been taught something in a way that seemed strange at first? God does this to us all the time. Teaches us things we need to learn using unconventional ways. Sometimes it’s a joyful experience – sometimes not so much.
Scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. He tests our willingness to obey, even when His plans defy logic. When Joshua was ready to attack Jericho – God said – hold on a moment, I have a better plan. Have you ever wondered if God has a better plan than you do? I think too many of us do not make room for God to approach us with His ideas and alternate methods. Sometimes I think our national slogan should not be “In God We Trust” but rather – “We Always Do It This Way!”
Like Joshua, we all need to learn that victory comes through faith and obedience to God’s unique strategies.
Jesus: The New Martial Art
In the New Testament, Jesus introduces a radical way of living—serving the marginalized and loving unconditionally. This is our new "martial art" for building God’s Kingdom. Instead of "wax on, wax off," we are called to feed the hungry, care for the abandoned, and seek the lost.
Let’s commit to God’s work, no matter how unconventional it may seem. As a church, let’s embrace Jesus’ compassionate way of life, bringing hope and transformation to everyone we touch.
The old kingdoms are crumbling, but God’s Kingdom, built on Jesus, will stand forever. Let’s join together in faith and obedience as we work to build His eternal Kingdom.
An Unusual Lesson Plan
This story reminds us of how we often learn through unexpected means. Have you ever been taught something in a way that seemed strange at first? God does this to us all the time. Teaches us things we need to learn using unconventional ways. Sometimes it’s a joyful experience – sometimes not so much.
Scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. He tests our willingness to obey, even when His plans defy logic. When Joshua was ready to attack Jericho – God said – hold on a moment, I have a better plan. Have you ever wondered if God has a better plan than you do? I think too many of us do not make room for God to approach us with His ideas and alternate methods. Sometimes I think our national slogan should not be “In God We Trust” but rather – “We Always Do It This Way!”
Like Joshua, we all need to learn that victory comes through faith and obedience to God’s unique strategies.
Jesus: The New Martial Art
In the New Testament, Jesus introduces a radical way of living—serving the marginalized and loving unconditionally. This is our new "martial art" for building God’s Kingdom. Instead of "wax on, wax off," we are called to feed the hungry, care for the abandoned, and seek the lost.
Let’s commit to God’s work, no matter how unconventional it may seem. As a church, let’s embrace Jesus’ compassionate way of life, bringing hope and transformation to everyone we touch.
The old kingdoms are crumbling, but God’s Kingdom, built on Jesus, will stand forever. Let’s join together in faith and obedience as we work to build His eternal Kingdom.
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