Mastering the Basics
A Sermon by the Rev. Todd J. Beiswenger
Lessons: I Samuel 17: 1-51; Divine Love and Wisdom 13
S
everal years ago I was told this story about a very accomplished kung-fu
student who had the unique experience of meeting a kung-fu master from
the Shaolin Temple. It is a very rare occurrence to meet a Shaolin master, and
the student was very excited for the opportunity. The master didn’t speak
English, so all communication had to go through a translator. Nevertheless,
the student had something he just had to ask, so he said to the translator:
“Please tell the master that I would like to learn some of the special, top
secret Shaolin kung-fu.” The translator passed the message on and the master
responded:
“The master would like to teach you a punch.” This was not what the
student wanted.
“Please tell the master that I’ve been practicing kung-fu for 25 years, and
that I know how to do a punch. I would like to learn the special kung-fu.
The kung-fu that only a Shaolin master can teach.” The translator nodded, and
seemed to pass on the request. The master then gave a new message to the
eager student:
“Show me your punch.”
The student sighed, and was clearly disappointed. He knew how to do
a punch, but he figured he might as well comply with the request, show the
master his punch and then the master would see that he did indeed know this
basic move. Then the master would show him the cool stuff! So he asked the
master:
“What kind of punch would you like to see? I can do several different
kinds!”
The master said he didn’t care what kind of a punch. He then lit a candle,
and instructed the student to execute the punch of his choice so that when
done his hand is exactly one inch from the flame.
The student took the challenge, figuring he’d show an outstanding punch
and then they could get on to the business of the secrets of kung-fu. The
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