It’s easy enough to say that all arts are disciplines. But when you say that discipline is an art, you may find resistance. Adults have all achieved some level of discipline in the ways of the world. Most of us stop for red lights and stop signs with little resistance or thought, but there’s much more behind it. Each of these signs has been given some authority or weight by another higher authority.
You yourself probably have authority over something or someone. And your authority was given to you by another authority. Sometimes we may question where one’s authority comes from and find that indeed they have none. In our art the different belts have levels authority which has all been granted by the Master of the art. Some will question where the Master’s authority came from, but most just understand that the authority is there.
How do we know that one’s authority is real? Anyone can produce a piece of paper. The paper gives them authority, but if they cannot back up the piece of paper with some form of action, the authority is useless. For instance, during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the Supreme Court ruled that the Cherokee People were a nation and could remain in their homeland in North Carolina. The Supreme Court gains its authority through the U.S. Constitution, and so did Andrew Jackson. President Jackson used his authority to forcefully remove the Cherokee from their homeland saying, let the Supreme Court back up their decision with action. The Supreme Court had no way to back up their decision or enforce their authority.
Let’s apply this lesson to faith. We know that Jesus drew his authority from the Creator. (John 5:27) When Christ died, some believed that it was proved that he had been granted no real Authority. He proved three days later when he rose again that his authority indeed came from God and not even death had authority over him. He then gave each of us who believe in him authority over death also, for we will all be raised again when he returns. (1 Thess. 4:14-17) By now you are probably asking yourself, how can we prove that we have been given that authority?
Some would say the bible proves it; others would say the change in our lives proves it. Many would say that the presence of the Holy Spirit is evidence enough. While all of these are somewhat accurate, none of them hold weight with the non-believer. Many of us seem to forget that we do not need to live in fear any longer. (Hebrews 2:14-15) We need not fear death, our daily needs, or worldly problems. Living a fearless life does not come without it’s problems, but it’s been done millions of times over.
Thousands in the 3rd world countries are persecuted for their faith even to the point of death, yet they do not concede that Christ is not their savior. They persevere even to the point of death. For they know where their authority comes from, they know they are joint heirs with Christ, and they prove that no man holds authority over them. For they fear not the wages of Sin, they fear only the Lord, and thus, they have nothing to fear on this earth, for they shall inherit everlasting life.
These Christians who are persecuted practice the art of faith, and their art is their discipline, their discipline also their art; they cling to their teachings and live every moment as if it were their last. They long to spread the good news and teach others all that God has shared with them. In this country we have many non-essentials and go about living each moment in fear of the next. When we live in fear of death we take our focus off of God and place it onto our self-centered existence.
Through our martial arts program we aim to take the focus off of oneself and place it onto the Lord and edification of the group and to each member in the group. Yes you are learning things yourself, but each time you work with someone, you are teaching them and they are teaching you. You are increasing in your authority and your ability to display that authority. As Master Peto was given authority so he grants it to you; a living example of the authority that Christ received and conferred upon each of us who believes in him.
We aim to rise above our fears and self centeredness. We strive to serve each other in humility and honor one another as we work to honor our Lord. Our art is not about hate or pride; it is about love and humility. We work to spread the good news in a way that is infectious, fun, and innovative. We work to prepare ourselves for all situations and be ready to stand our ground for our faith and our families. Our art is a discipline, and discipline is our art. |
