By Terry Wassink
Just as TLC Taekwondo’s motto is “What Would Jesus Do?”, we also have five tenants or principles we live by. They are: COURTESY, INTEGRITY, PERSEVERENCE, SELF-CONTROL, and INDOMITABLE SPIRIT.
Courtesy, is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “A polite remark or gesture”. But courtesy is also a way of life. Whether it is saying Yes Ma’am or Yes Sir to an adult (or black belt instructor), or opening a door for a lady or friend, how we display courteous behavior tells people a lot about us.
The Bible speaks well of those who were courteous: Acts 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.Integrity is defined as “Strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct”. What better way to show people we are Christian than by displaying our integrity to all those we meet! Integrity would be displayed by telling the truth, even when you might get punished because of it, or not doing everything your friends do, when you know its wrong.
The Bible talks about integrity in: 1 Kings 9:4 “As for you, if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, and promises rich rewards in heaven if we have integrity of heart and uprightness.”
Perseverence is defined as “To persist in an idea, purpose, or task despite obstacles”. Remember that when learning a new kick or form that doesn’t come easy to you or doing that math problem that you don’t quite understand. Keep with it and pray; God will help you with all things, even math!
1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Self-Control is defined as “Exercising dominant influence or authority over oneself”. The best example I can think of is listening to your instructor during taekwondo when you would rather be playing or running or talking.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Indomitable Spirit is “Incapable of being subdued or defeated, specifically spiritually”. Indomitable Spirit is the combination of all the other tenants. Showing courtesy to others and exercising self-control help build indomitable spirit. Persevering through tough times shows indomitable spirit. Finally, integrity is the foundation of indomitable spirit. Since the Holy Spirit guides us in all we say and do, having an unshakeable, indomitable spirit honors God with who we are, with what we do.
So the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision, ask “What Would Jesus Do?” If that doesn’t guide you in your decision, ask “Is it Courtesy? Does it show Integrity, Perseverence, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit?” And always pray; God Answers Prayer!