1 Corinthians 1:10
“Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NRSV)
The sea, boats and sailing has long been a source of inspiration and metaphorical imagery used by writers and poets. These images for life and work and relationships include floating aimlessly with no sense of purpose to being tossed helplessly in a stormy sea; working against the current versus going with the flow; letting the storms deter you versus letting the wind fill your sails. The lessons from the nautical world are endless.
Particularly, the sport of rowing and its many images can be used to explain our verse today. In team rowing there are generally two types of boats. One in which the rowers pull a single oar and one in which the crew pull double oars. Each has its own rewards and challenges. Ultimately, the goal is the same, to sail smoothly, quickly and efficiently towards the finish line. At the helm of the boat is the coxswain. The coxswain’s job is directing the course and encouraging the rowers to create tempo and unity of purpose. The rest of the crew, with their backs to the course ahead, trusts the coxswain to lead and guide them. If someone pulls too strong or at the wrong speed the boat can go adrift or worse yet just go in circles. Strength and coordination need to be balanced and in harmony.
This is true for our journey as Christians. Saint Paul, in his letter to the people of Corinth, is asking us to row with unity of purpose. And to do so with Christ at the helm. Whether it be with the church at large or even our individual church homes sometimes we get off course, encounter turbulent seas, or float along without purpose and mission. At worst we can pull in the wrong or even different directions. But if we trust Jesus as our guiding light, the creator of purpose and tempo and direction in our life, we will cross the finish line and enter into the safe harbor of eternal life with God.
Questions for Reflection:
- I came across this article that I found appropriate to living as Christians. Five Life Lessons I’ve Learned In Rowing.
- Which of these five lessons resonates with you most?
- Which of these lessons do you feel is the biggest obstacle in our journey as the church?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, be with us as we journey through life. Thank you for sending Christ to set a course for us. And sending the Holy Spirit to fill our sails. Continue to empower your people to pull together to glorify you. Encourage them to support each other when the seas are rough and the finish line is out of sight. And continue to love us and give us grace when we drift off course. Amen
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