What martial arts can teach us about Chrisitan spirituality... A black belt recently reminded me of a crucial mindset that can hinder a student's ability to become a great martial artist. In martial arts, the student who relies on his own youth, strength, and vigor may look like a real martial artist but he is only an imitator, lacking true understanding, and power. Because of how he trained, when tested, he fails. How many of us approach Christian disciplines the same way? We are believers but take our spiritual training no further. We profess to be Christians but don't attend church, don't serve others, don't pray, don't read, and don't meditate on the Word. We accept all the things of our culture and approve of things God disapproves of. We are truly imitators and wonder why when tested, we fail. To become a true disciple, we must become humble and teachable. We must sacrifice time, become generous, and follow. We begin to prioritize God over all thing