The Way of the Warrior

As a Christian, I am confronted daily with my own shortcomings. The standard I strive to attain is a lofty one; absolute moral perfection. It is an impossible standard, however, it is a worthy pursuit.

One of my favorite movies is "The Last Samurai". After watching it for the first time I was overwhelmed by the sense of honor in the men portrayed. Their unswerving devotion to a set of moral principles. Their absolute commitment to live by their beliefs. I was abashed because I am not as commited to what I believe as they.

I asked myself later, "Who ought to represent honor, truth and justice tempered with mercy
more than the Christian?". Who indeed. From my point of view, the answer is obvious, nobody should exemplify those qualities better than the Christian. Sadly, it is not so.

In the words of Soke Riedner, "the word of a Samurai guaranteed the truthfulness of an assertion. Usually no oath was necessary." Would that such a thing could be said of me. Would that such a thing be said of the church! But that is a topic for another article.

The Code of Bushido are a set of principles that defined the Samurai. Seven tenants that were so engrained into it's desciples that it ceased to be something they practiced, rather it became something they were. We, as martial artists would do well to pay attention.

Justice
Courage
Benevolence
Politeness
Veracity
Honor
Loyalty

The Way of the Warrior is bound up in those seven words. Strength tempered with mercy. Truth spoken with politeness. Courage measured in humility. Above all, acting with honor.
I see in this the only reason for desiring greater strenght through martial arts. Seeking strength to bring aid and relief to those who are unable to defend themselves. To seek the stillness of one's mind so you can bring peace to those in turmoil.

In this age of moral relativism, tolerance (as it is called) and endless political correctness how America needs Christian Warriors to be the ones who will stand in the gap and not go quietly along with the steady march toward moral ruin. Time will tell if a call to arms and battle is needed to return sanity to our land, but heeding the call to morality and truth is perilously late. Perhaps it is too late. We must stand nonetheless.
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"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
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As Christians, we believe that we are saved by grace but our works bring glory to God.
In closing, I challenge you to be the warrior who refuses to submit to moral compromise. Set yourself as for battle against your own flesh and worldly desires and do what you can daily to bring peace and stability to all those around you. Stand against what you know to be wrong with courage and humility.

Be a hero.
Sensei Jeff Vincent