Wax on, Wax off

Ralph Macchio was perplexed at his mentor’s (Pat Morita) instructions to put on wax with a circular motion, then take it off with the other arm moving in a circular motion in the Karate Kid. He just wanted to live more successfully by being able to defend himself against the bullies in life, by developing some muscle and skills to get through his day. His coach said “Wax On, Wax Off” repetitive discipline of training his body to respond in successful ways.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives his students similar instructions for developing spiritual muscles to live successfully, when he says “Put Off, Put On.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Paul in Romans 7 talks about the two natures, the flesh, and the indwelling life of Christ fighting against each other once we become a Christian. He says we have to exert our will to say “No” to the fleshy impulses of self, our pride of life, lust of the eye, and lust of the flesh, and say “Yes” to the things of God daily, in each circumstance and event of our life.

Put off self, put on Christ, and just like Ralph, over time, by these little disciplines we’ll find out we’re being transformed into successful champions for Christ. Wax On, Wax Off.