Row, row, row your boat …

When the Olympics roll around and people around the world tune in, there aren’t a lot who watch every event from opening to closing ceremony. Most of us have our favorite competitions or competitors we want to see, and tune in for the more popular contests.

But have you ever watched the rowing competitions?

Before the rowers get into the boat, they must know who has control of the team on the water. When a coxswain is on board, he is the leader and sits at the stearn facing the rowers. The rowers have their backs to the direction of the race; they face the bow.

The coxswain sees what the paddlers do not; they trust him for guidance. Everyone must keep their eyes on the leader because he will direct them throughout the race. He keeps the boat moving straight, giving signals when they drift out of their lane, until they pass the finish line.

The coswain’s job is to make the tactical decisions. The rower’s job is to be attentive to the directions of the coxswain.

This competition is a good illustration of following Christ. We need to be busy putting our backs into rowing through this life, and keeping our eyes on Jesus, being attentive to the directions He provides for us.

“… And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith,” Hebrews 12:1b-2a.

Who are your keeping your eyes on? Who is directing you through life?

Scotty