Walk the Talk

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Being a martial artist is something I never thought I would be. It is demanding physically and mentally - and I love every minute of it. I've worked hard, along with my classmates and fellow instructors to get to where I'm at. When I meet new people it's not something that I casually bring up in conversation, but it does come up sometimes. Upon finding out I'm a black belt, the first thing someone usually says is, "Well we don't want to make you mad." My reaction is one of feigned laughter, not because it's untrue but because if they really knew me and really knew what martial arts teaches you, they would have nothing to fear. But it could give me some serious bragging rights if I really wanted to use it that way. You know, talk the big game. And I could probably get a little street cred from it. But wisdom doesn't come from just talking. I would get found out if I was ever tested, not that I couldn't hold my own, but that I may not be as big and bad as all I made myself out to be.

Wisdom is a quiet confidence in my skills. Wisdom is keeping my cards known only to me. Wisdom is practicing humility in all things, even when I know I may have the upper hand. My actions speak for themselves as I carry myself with (hopefully) grace and humility, having confidence in what I know and the wisdom of knowing when I need to use what I know. This is true of all areas of my life - work, parenting, marriage, friendships - as well as my training.

I could talk all I want, but if I can't show my confidence through my life, then what good is all my talk? And if I talk big about God and his love, but can't show his love to others, than what good is all my words and pious prayers? Act out God's love with humility and wisdom.