The Karate Kid - Crosswalk the Devotional - August 21

Truths observed at the intersection of faith and life by Crosswalk.com editors [Crosswalk.com Logo]( Crosswalk: The Devotional [Devotionals]( [Newsletters]( [e-Cards]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( The Karate Kid by Ryan Duncan But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. – [Matthew 5:39]( When it comes to old [movies]( there’s really no beating the 1984 Karate Kid. It’s the classic coming-of-age story of a young boy who finds his potential with the help of a wise, old man. Of course, back then all I cared about were the awesome fight scenes. The first time I saw the movie I must have spent a week doing “Crane kicks” around the house like an inebriated flamingo. Those same action sequences haven’t aged well, and these days The Karate Kid looks downright corny, but the film still contains some valuable lessons for people who listen. At one point in the movie Daniel grows frustrated with his training. He’s tired of being bullied, tired of being treated like a loser, he wants some payback and karate seems like the best way to get it. Mr. Miyagi listens patiently as his young pupil vents his anger, then pulls him aside and in broken English tries to explain the essence of what he’s teaching. Pointing to his head, Miyagi says, “Daniel san, karate here.” He then points to his heart and says “Karate here.” Lastly, he points at his fists and say, “karate never, never here.” The Karate Kid might be a cheesy movie, but I think a lot of Christians could take a lesson from Mr. Miyagi. It bothers me how often I hear pastors and Christian leaders say things like, “We’re soldiers in the army of God”, “We’re fighting a Culture War”, or “The line is being drawn in the sand”. I understand how hard it is to live as a Christian in modern culture, believe me, but that doesn’t mean we start living our [faith]( with our fists. In fact, that sounds almost counter to what Jesus told his disciples to do. [CONTINUE READING →]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( You May Also Like: [10 Old Testament Promises God Is Speaking over Your Life]( Brittany Rust It’s the promises that can really carry you through a difficult season or unsure situation--words of hope in your storm, doubt, and anxiousness. You can depend on what God says about Himself and what He will do. His promises are never empty but always true! [CONTINUE READING →]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [7 Reasons 'Good' People Go to Hell]( Dr. Roger Barrier Good people need forgiveness for their sins just like everyone else. [CONTINUE READING →]( [Crosswalk.com Logo]( [Read about Salem Web Network]( | [Unsubscribe From This Email]( [Email Preference Center]( | [View in Browser]( © 2020 Salem Web Network. All rights reserved. 111 Virginia Street, Suite 500, Richmond, VA 23219. This email is never sent unsolicited. You are receiving this email because your email address, {EMAIL}, is signed up to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers from Crosswalk.com - The Devotional. [Link](