It has been said that rowing is the ultimate team sport. It pushes the athlete’s physical capabilities, while stretching their team skills to the limit. In rowing, there are no superstars. An excellent team goes far beyond the talent of any individual. Teamwork is the goal, and a team cannot be built on any one’s predominant personality or agenda.

 

Though crew members have different roles - the coxswain to shout strategic commands, a rower to set the stroke or the pace, others to provide the engine and steady direction; the team will utilize each members’ strengths and absorb their weaknesses. The team’s success depends on the effort of the rowers, likewise; the rower depends on the team being successful. In crew, everyone must be synchronized together to achieve victory.

When the team has achieved seamless perfection in skill and teamwork, the crew can now reach for the coveted ‘swing’. This is the ultimate condition when the team functions ‘as one’, in perfect unison – oars hitting the water at the same time, with the same speed, to the same depth, from the same height, with the same angle and force, and retracting the same way. There is no friction in the water nor in the boat that prohibits the boat from ‘gliding’ to the finish. The boat moves effortlessly and faster, than eight separate individuals striving to increase speed. 

Perfect accord which seems nearly impossible to achieve in the world, is attainable for believers in Christ. For we are the Body of Christ - many members with different roles, we are joined and knit together by the working of every function. More importantly, the love we share between one another comes from God, Himself. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.” (1 John 4:7) By having the same care for one another, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing one another in love, we endeavor to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This is where He commands the blessing.

It is time for the Body of Christ to stand together, unified in faith, in prayer, and in love. As we stand together, Christ will be lifted up, so he may draw all men unto himself.

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort in love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition (strife) or conceit (vainglory), but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-3

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess it is difficult to esteem others as better than myself. It is so easy to think my way of doing things is right or better. I confess this is a kind of pride. Forgive me for my pride, and according to Your Word, purify me from all unrighteousness. Help me consider the needs of others as more important than my own. Open my eyes to see and give thanks for the giftings and callings of those You have placed in my life. Help me not to be rocking the boat, but to be setting an example of humility and grace and working together. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

When you are tempted to maneuver or manipulate for position over others, consider today’s and this week’s messages. Are you pushing yourself forward while putting another down in your marriage? In your family? At work? In a group of friends? In a church ministry? Does not God want His best for you? Yes, He does. Believe today’s verse and submit this temptation and your desires to Jesus. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.