My friend Bill is a martial artist, specializing in Ki Bon Sool. No, I don't know what that is, either. But he's an instructor, so he must be pretty darn good at it.
I can tell you he's pretty darn good at being a Christian, husband, and father, and he had some cool points in response to my last blog about submission (from James 4:7). I wanted to share his thoughts, and pass along some more of my own:
...submission can also be beneficial. We call it investing in loss. It helps you grow as a fighter, and toughen your resolve as a person. I often put myself at a position of disadvantage when grappling to learn how to better work my way out of it. Giving in to God is difficult, because we would all rather think our way is right, especially when we are emotional about something and want our way. Grappling teaches you that what you plan may not work, and even if you fight harder for the same technique or submission, you may never get it and just tire yourself out in the process. Just as you must "listen" to what your opponent is doing, you need to "listen" to what God wants for you to do in the middle of the Chaos. THAT is difficult. I know, I have struggled with and continue to struggle with this.
Good stuff, my friend.
In this world, submission often carries a negative connotation. It's giving up, giving in, surrendering...and that's bad, especially in this country, where "it's my way or the highway", where winners "impose their will" on losers, even though those losers "fight 'til the bitter end". Although we, as Christians, are also called to persevere in this life, we're also called to submit to God and His will. Submission is a good thing.
Bill said that, through grappling, he's learned that "what you plan may not work, and even if you fight harder for the same technique or submission, you may never get it and just tire yourself out in the process". Both James and Peter quote Proverbs, saying "God opposes the proud" (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5). If you've got some pride kicking around inside you, you've just met your grappling opponent.
Read this slowly: if you are NOT humble, you are grappling with God.
Think about that for a minute; think about what your chances really are. To really consider this wrestling match appropriately, you're going to need an honest appraisal of yourself and your capabilities. What about you do you take pride in? When do you consider yourself 'in control'? In what types of situations do you charge into without prayer, meditation, or wise counsel? Who do you think you are, and who do you think you can be on your own?
As you work on that, I'll be getting putting together a "tale of the tape" on your opponent, which I hope to have ready in the next few days - in my next post.
Reality check forthcoming...stay tuned!
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