Fight or Flight

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,". Titus 2:11-12 NIV

I've been a martial artist for the last ten years. One of our tenets is self-control. We teach the students that martial arts isn't just about kicking and punching, but the knowledge that you can defend yourself when needed, and the self-control over your emotions if that should ever occur. Our bodies are made for fight or flight and self-preservation, which in today's world translates to a microscopic view of what constitutes personal rights. This fight or flight mode often kicks in when adrenaline is pumping. Knowing how to control it puts you one step above others.

The grace of God is your spiritual sensai, teaching you self-control to say no when you need to say no. Teaching you to maybe say nothing at all if you have nothing nice to say (who knew our grandmothers knew that lesson all along?). Teaching you to understand you have obligations - to your finances, your parents, your children, your spouse, your employer, your friends - and that it's not all about you all the time. There are sacrifices we all must make every day and recognize that there is a greater purpose than our lives here will ever bear witness to.

To live in this present age and say no to a lot out there is hard. It's a daily struggle for an old martial artist like me, one who grew up in the church. I can't imagine what it would be like as a new Christian. Which is why we must pray for each other and help each other, not tear each other down. Live in grace. Live with self-control. You will reap the benefits.