White Belt
The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Insight
Very few films define my childhood more than The Karate Kid. I was seven years old when the big-screen introduced me to Daniel Russo, Mr. Miyagi, and the villainous Johnny Lawrence. Being teased and bullied as a kid myself, I couldn't wait to see the Cobra Kai crew get their comeuppance.
I wore the VHS tape out and even took a karate course for a bit at the local YMCA. But, just like Daniel Larusso, who wanted to know the tricks needed to defeat his bullies right away, I grew tired of the basics and lost heart. Rather than the usual warm-ups, I had hoped to fast forward to the part where I was breaking wooden boards and smashing cinder blocks while the crowd cheered my accomplishments. Typical, right?
As it relates to our faith, we often want to do BIG things for God. We desire to have these mountaintop faith experiences. We will show God, and others, just how valuable we are. If we're going to be humble, well, sir, we are going to be the most modest person anyone has ever seen.
Our hope to do BIG things puffs us up and makes us the center of attention rather than giving God the glory He deserves. By being so focused on our significance, we don't respond in those mundane moments God presents to us every day. We underestimate the impact these small encounters can have, not only us, but also on those we touch.
My favorite scene in the movie is when Daniel reaches his boiling point. He believes Mr. Miyagi has hoodwinked him, and instead of teaching him karate, he's used him to get household chores done. Daniel doesn't understand what painting fences and waxing cars have to do with fighting. Then, Mr. Miyagi shows him the method to his madness. Daniel's eyes grow super wide as his arms and legs instinctively block Miyagi's punches. Something clicks in Daniel's mind. He realizes those routine tasks were part of a higher plan.
Do you want to do BIG things for God? It starts by stewarding the small. The biggest little thing you can do is be faithful in the moment. It is here where God forms our character and shapes our hearts. We experience God's faithfulness, which in turn deepens our faith.
These little moments serve as building blocks that prepare us, so we are ready to take more profound steps of courage. We might not know how or why, but these little acts of obedience add up over time. So today, "wax on, wax off" and be faithful.
Reflection
Where can you be faithful in the moment today?
What deep waters of your heart do you need to draw out by being patient and waiting?
Prayer
God, may I be faithful in the opportunities You present me today to serve and love others. Let me not minimize these moments, but view them as places where I can deepen my trust and dependence in You. Expose my motives for wanting to do BIG things for You and help me to address any that are rooted in pride or fear. Allow what I do to honor You and You alone. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
