A Moment With Pastor Fred

Susan and I recently watched the movie, “Boys in the Boat” (rated PG13 for language). I few years ago I read the book and wrote a “pastor’s pen” on it. Once again I share the redemptive qualities gleaned.

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. 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.

One can’t help but think of the church, especially today as we begin a series in Acts which repeatedly emphasizes the unity of the church in the first few chapters. 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’re 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.