A Moment With Pastor Fred

I read on vacation “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Out of the depth of the Great Depression comes the story of 9 working-class boys, the sons of loggers, shipyard workers and farmers. They were students making up the rowing team of the University of Washington. Not only did they shockingly beat the Ivy League rowing teams of the East Coast but went on to represent the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. There they defeated Hitler’s elite rowers winning the gold. “Boys in the Boat” isn’t a Christian book and yet it’s redemptive qualities couldn’t be missed.

One must put aside all self-glory and individualism to be a rower. It’s a team effort not a one man show. Rowing is a great art – a symphony of motion, oaring in harmony, in perfect rhythm with the others. It requires self-discipline of mind and body. It is a sport of endurance. It is a sport of concentration – focusing on the boat.

I couldn’t help but think of the church, especially today, on this FALL-IN SUNDAY.  The church isn’t about self-glory but God’s glory. That’s what the front of your bulletin says -“becoming fruitful disciples of Christ for God’s glory.” That’s our aim – that’s what we’re here to do.  Each one of us is pulling together for a common cause. We are to make every effort the apostle says to maintain the unity of the spirit, walking (rowing) in all  humility, gentleness, patience and love. We’re a team. We’re God’s means to edify believers and evangelize the lost. And our reward isn’t something that fades in time but will endure for eternity.  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Phil 3:14.