Mediation of the Week: Obedience to Parents
Martial Arts begins and ends with courtesy and respect. Tang Soo Do’s second code uses the term “parents.” I want you to expand the definition of “parent” to imply father, mother, teachers, elders, and instructors. It is respect for others–esteem, honor, and appreciation for whom esteem, honor, and appreciation is due. In many ways this is a given, still honor must be retaught regularly because of our inclination to to disobey and do our own thing (also known as sin).
God commands us in Exodus 20:12 to “honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” This is the first of the 10 Commandments with a promise. The Apostle Paul picks up this theme in the letter to the Ephesians telling us to obey our parents because it is the right thing to do (Eph 6:1) and in the letter to the Colossians, obedience pleases the Lord (Col 3:20). Adults, don’t dismiss this code believing it only applies to the youth. We have just as much a responsibility to those placed in authority over us. The code is a transferrable principle. Seek to show obedience through your attitude, your personal honor, and a desire to glorify God in your thoughts and actions.
SOAR Tang Soo Do 