Rowing

When I was a kid we had a boat. No motor. Just a boat, which we rowed. Good rowing takes practice—that’s what Dad always said—because you sit backwards and look at where you’ve been to determine if you’re headed where you’re going.

Rowing is a three-step process: First, you line up your destination, the boat, and a point behind you. Second, while keeping your eyes fixed on the point behind you, you pull evenly on both oars. Third, before you ever take the oars in hand you agree with your buddy when it will be your turn to fish and his turn to row.

Hebrews says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”

This is the same principle as rowing. Our destination is knowing Christ and loving the Lord. Our reference point, located directly astern of life’s boat, is Christ’s work on the cross. The means of rowing the boat is Christ’s strength in and through us.

Next up, additional thoughts about the reference point.