James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
You’re probably familiar with the iconic 1984 film, The Karate Kid. It tells the story of Daniel, a teenage boy who wants to learn karate in order to defend himself against school bullies. He seeks help from Mr. Miyagi, an old Japanese gardener, who agrees to teach him the skills he needs.
But the lessons don’t go as Daniel imagined. When he arrives at Mr. Miyagi’s house, he’s given menial chores to complete. He must wax Mr. Miyagi’s cars, paint his fences and sand his floors. Much to Daniel’s frustration, Mr. Miyagi gives him very specific instructions in how to carry out each task. After days of what seems to be senseless work and no direct karate instruction, Daniel reaches the boiling point. He demands that Mr. Miyagi begin the training. Much to his surprise, Mr. Miyagi starts poking at him and pushing him. Instinctively, Daniel fights back using all the skills he unknowingly learned while performing the tasks of waxing the cars, painting the fence and sanding the floor.
Author Mark Buchannan calls Daniel’s training a “secret apprenticeship.” An apprenticeship not unlike what followers of Jesus experience. All the circumstances we encounter in life give us opportunities to learn how to “wax on, wax off.” And so become more like Christ.
The book of James confirms this great secret. The troubles we face are the very means we need to become mature in the faith. Our “training” extends further than what we see. We are being prepared for higher things, not only in this life, but in the life to come.
So when inflation threatens to destroy your budget…wax on, wax off.
When someone fails to meet your expectations…wax on, wax off.
When you make a mistake…wax on, wax off.
Wax on, wax off doesn’t mean passively accepting all the bad things that happen. Daniel certainly wasn’t passive when he landed a karate chop on the bullies. It’s the skill we learn as we view our troubles, as James says, with joy because we choose to activate our faith.
Friend, may you engage in that secret apprenticeship today…wax on, wax off.