"Too Many Mind"

So way back about eight months ago my incredibly intelligent and persistent wife urged me to join a father and son/daughter Shotokan Karate class because my son , like a true boy likes kickin' and stuff.   I was hesitant at first because I imagined getting beaten like a dog in front of him could cause him to think his father less than invincible and I want to keep that illusion going for as long as possible. My sweet spouse continued to gentley encourage me to do this and I took the plunge with the boy and it has worked out really well. As usual she was right again.  I am now an orange belt! Joyfully my belt colour is no longer the same as the traditional colour associated with cowardice (it was yellow - blech!).  I am learning much and trying very hard, it is not easy and I do not think the RCMP will be requiring me to register as a lethal weapon any time soon but in time who knows.

Taking up this activity at my advanced age of 38 has taught me much about focus.  Focus is a key element in becoming a good Karateka.  Of course this new found love of Shotokan Karate has given me a new appreciation for the movie  The Last Samurai  starring Tom Cruise.  It is a great movie about honour and loyalty and Bushido - the way of the warrior. It is a very good movie due to the action sequences but also because it showcases the Samurai and their dedication to who they are and what they do.

In the film Tom Cruise's character, Captain Ulgrin, is taken captive by the rebel Samurai leader Katsumoto. During his captivity he observes this culture and he develops a strong admiration for the samurai, their cause and way of life and actually begins to train as a Samurai Warrior.  In one of the scenes where he is training he is having great difficulty with his opponent until Nobatathe, the son of Katsumoto, says to him during a break "too many mind - mind the people, mind the opponent, mind the sword ".  His english is broken but his words are full of wisdom. Too many mind - means he is thinking about all that is going on  - the distractions and needs to focus. Focus is a vital element in so much that is done in life. Without focus most activities have no quality.  If I ever need surgery I hope the doctor has great focus.

All this has me wondering if this is not one of the greatest issues for the modern follower of Christ and the  Church - too many mind.  There is so much today that competes for our attention and energy.  The distractions are endless. I am easily distracted by shiny things. But perhaps a reason that so many Christian churches are having struggles is because they, like Captain Ulgren have "too many mind". Too mindful about the latest trend, gimmick or system. Too mindful about the church down the street. Too mindful about being cool. Too mindful about changing. Too mindful about not changing. Too mindful about being right. Too many mind =  no focus - no life.

No focus usually means poor effect or  poor results. I think if honesty is employed this is a great descriptor of the current state of the Church in general. The great part though is that when the focus is on Jesus scripture (John 14:6a) assures us that he is the way the truth and the life -  something to keep in mind.