Rowing in Unison

Happy Monday  to our CFC Family!

Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to watch the final dragon boat race that our son Jordan participated in through his workplace—an annual event where teams compete to raise money for women battling breast cancer. Despite the intense heat, it was a fun and exciting event. Watching the teams row in perfect unison, led by the steady rhythm of the drum beat at the front of each boat, was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people move together with a common purpose.

As I stood on the shoreline with Lenise, cheering Jordan’s team on, I couldn’t help but think about the power of unity and shared direction. Each paddler focused not on themselves, but on the rhythm—eyes forward, listening carefully to the "beat" that kept them aligned, making sure every stroke matched the others to create the power and speed through the water.

As we know, this commitment doesn’t just apply to dragon boat races but to so many aspects of life. Whether it be in business, families, community groups, and especially the church, success often depends on everyone doing their part and staying in sync. If even one person is out of rhythm or not fully engaged, the entire team feels the impact.

Unfortunately, this happens far too often in the church. A few faithful people do most of the '“rowing”—teaching, serving, giving, and leading—while many others sit back and enjoy the ride. But the church was never meant to operate that way. Scripture tells us we are all part of one body, and each part is necessary and important (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

When we choose not to participate, the body weakens—and we fall short of the purpose God has designed for us.

We are called to unity—not uniformity!  To move together under the same "beat" of the Holy Spirit. That each person has a role to play, and when we align ourselves with God’s mission and serve Him together in step with His Spirit, the Church becomes a powerful and unified force for God’s Kingdom.

Galatians 5:25 reminds us that; “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

And in 1 Peter 4:10 he writes;

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

So here’s the question for you. Are you rowing in unison with the body of Christ—attentive to the Spirit’s "beat" and offering your gifts to help move His mission forward? Or is there an area in your life where you’ve grown passive and simply coasting along?

We’ve all had seasons where we lose rhythm or drift off course, but God’s grace is always inviting us back into alignment. Take a moment to reflect: What is He calling you to pick up, press into, or surrender—so you can row in step with His Spirit and strengthen the body around you?

            Have a blessed week and we’ll see you next Sunday!