In the same way with our faith, we push each other to grow as we go through peaks and valleys of progression. There are countless metaphors that we can draw from our hobbies on a board to our faith.
Wakeboarding is in no shortage of these, however, I think the biggest difference in wake compared to its other boardsport counterparts is that, like following Christ, it demands community. Without a driver, and in most states a spotter, you can’t ride; while surf, snow sports, or skate are all exponentially more fun with friends, they don’t necessitate other people like wake does. I find that it’s the same with my faith, and that being a Christian requires this community to open up and support each other in the Spirit. I’m sure some of you have experienced a time when you seemed to be the only believer around and it feels like sitting in the water with a rope and handle, but no boat driver. This network of fellow believers is what holds us accountable to making sure our goals and desires are Christ’s, and makes the end goal possible.
Sessions out on the boat with friends riding, listening to music, and enjoying the lake have always been fun. After choosing to follow Christ though, each of these activities are more fulfilling because of the level of friendship we experience in His presence. Being able to collectively enjoy that new trick someone lands, and support each other when we need motivation drives us closer to our Father in the realization that He is the one putting everything and everyone into place. These moments in sports are perfect examples of the relationships that God intended for us in Christ. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens a friend.” Psalm 133:1 states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” There’s plenty of proof that God created us for community–in and out of faith.
We face trials every day that call for a strong support system of believers–to motivate and encourage us to stay on God’s path. A failing marriage, a lost family member, addiction–I can’t fathom trying to battle these things without brothers and sisters there for support and prayer. Community is a source of guidance and accountability and a place for worship that we all need in our walk with Jesus. I found mine in the form of my fellow riders who led me to Christ, and I pray that you can find yours in whatever area of your life that keeps you motivated and hungry for God’s presence.
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
