All Weekly Sharpening Posts

November 17, 2022

Life Lesson from Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai is the greatest series that Netflix has ever produced.  Yes, I’m being serious.  I love everything about it. Sure, Stranger Things is amazing, but nothing beats Cobra Kai.  For those not in the know, Cobra Kai is a continuation of The Karate Kid movie (1984) 34 years later.  It’s the same actors playing the same characters, holding the same grudges, all shaped by their high school karate victories and defeats.

Yes, it’s incredibly cheesy.

BUT GOODNIGHT! It is done so well!  It’s the highest quality cheese you will ever find on a streaming service. I can’t get enough of it!  (I bought an Eagle Fang Karate shirt online.  If you know, you know.)

Without giving too much away, know that there are three rival dojos competing for dominance in the valley.  Each has a unique style and history, but they all have one thing in common: obedience to the lead instructor, known as the Sensei.

It doesn’t matter how outrageous, dangerous, or foolish the command is; the entire class responds with:

“Yes, Sensei!”

The Sensei expects obedience.  He doesn’t make requests, he gives orders, and his students respond immediately.

Get inside that cement mixer!

“Yes, Sensei!”

Break this concrete block with your forehead with little to no training!

“Yes, Sensei!”

And the Cobra Kai mantra since 1984: Strike first! Strike hard! No mercy!

“Yes, Sensei!”

If you disobey your Sensei, there are consequences.

I recently came across this quote from Chuck Colson: “God doesn’t want our success, He wants us.  He doesn’t demand our achievements.  He demands our obedience.”

How quickly do I respond, “Yes, God!” when I’m reading His Word and the Holy Spirit convicts me that my life isn’t lining up with His commands?

Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.

“Yes, God!”

Deny yourself and take up your cross.

“Yes, God!”

Don’t think too highly of yourself, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.

“Yes, God!”

If I’m honest, my response to those three commands is less of a “Yes!” and more of an “I know I should, but…”

I’d rather strike first and strike hard.

Lord,  forgive me!

This is a humbling thing to admit, and clearly, I need to think less of myself, trust God, and allow the Holy Spirit more reign in my life.

How about you?

Thank you, Cobra Kai.  I can hardly wait to see what spiritual convictions a sixth season will bring…