Wax on, wax off.

A Lesson about the Ways and Workings of God
 
The Karate Kid
1984 by Delphi Films
Starring: Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
and Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso

The Karate Kid is a good family movie, though there is fighting, confrontation and conflict. There is some mild profanity but nothing outrageous. The lessons and morals of the movie are about discipline, friendship, respect, loyalty and perseverance.

Daniel is a normal high school student being raised by a single Mom. He's being bullied by a pompous and arrogant classmate who is using his skills as a Karate student to reign terror on anyone who happens to catch his dislike. Daniel becomes a prime candidate for his cruelty.

Perhaps if he learns Karate himself, he can protect himself. He gives it a try but all he does is make matters worse --- he finds himself in a dangerous predicament --- until rescue comes.

Daniel is delivered from a beating at the hands of a Karate Class Gang from a new friend. An unassuming, small Japanese man named Mr. Miyagi.

Miyagi single-handedly whips the whole gang without really harming any of the bullies at all. He just embarrasses them. Those who have been only pretending at an art are shamed by a true Master.

Daniel is surprised, grateful and relieved to know that he now knows someone who can teach him how to defend himself.

With great reluctance, Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel the ancient martial art of Karate that he learned from his own Father.

Take a look at this first clip from the movie to see Daniel's first Karate Lesson.

It really looks more like washing and waxing Mr. Miyagi's car than a Karate Lesson. But Daniel is grateful to his deliverer and protector and owes him something for what Mr. Miyagi has done for him ---- so, wax on, wax off. 

Sometimes it is difficult applying ourselves to the work of God or obeying the ways of God. Often it looks like we are wasting our time or doing menial things that make no difference. Does God give us chores just to keep us busy? Just to see if we will obey? Or is there always a method and meaning to God's madness?

The answers to those questions will not be immediately apparent as we do what God wants us to do. But, He has promised that He has something good in store for us.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."