I think there's a place where too many of us in the church (and in life in general, but I'm more concerned with the church) are regularly just riding the wave of what's going on, instead of seeking to find out what the goal is and to row like heck to make sure we get there.

I think there's a place where those in the church that are rowing are getting tired, getting beat up by the waves, and mocked by those that are simply riding the wave and enjoying it.

I think there's a place where we say we know God (and probably do know some stuff about Him), but aren't pursuing Him to the end of our strength by rowing as furiously as possible to wherever He is or might be.

So are you rowing or riding the wave?

Sometimes, when you're exhausted, you have to ride the wave to stay alive and not drown. But most of the time, we should be focused on finding out where God is going or going to be, and rowing together with all our strength to get there. Two or three leaders in a church can't row the church to God's presence and will. And when those leaders need to ride the wave, someone is going to have to continue paddling to ensure that the boat doesn't drift aimlessly away.

We are called to be in community. We are called to support one another. We are not called to just let our leaders do all the work and make all the decisions. What's your gift? Use it. What's your strength? Walk in it. Need help? Need training? Cool - get it. Need rest? Take it.

So what's the goal we're rowing towards?

Simple. As is says in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Every time.

"You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11)