Wave of TruthSample

Shared Waves

The pursuit of surfing has created a subculture of its own. With its unique outlook on life, nature of risk-taking, and time framed by the elements, acceptance into the arena of this lifestyle is based on performance.

Like many subcultures, your original attraction is based on the common interest. But once you are in, there are often masked ‘accepted behaviours’ or ‘add-ons.' This may not be part of your original search, but to keep your cred, it can almost become your only option.

Self is the heart of performance-based acceptance, which leads to the path of self-indulgence.

Galatians 5 verses 19 & 20, offers an insight into things that often pervade the surf culture - wild parties, drunkenness, jealousy, immorality, and selfish ambition.

But our key verses today offer an alternative set of values and behaviours.

Compare the tension in the line-up when you have a crew who is simply waves hungry, and their personal stoke is all about the wave count and “how good was that turn." The problem is there is never enough and, therefore, no satisfaction, just the lust for more.

On the other hand, you surf with a crew high on the sense of freedom, patience, kindness, self-control, and the joy of sharing waves.

Which session leaves you feeling the most complete and free?

The final chapter of Galatians gathers this collective good and the essence of true freedom.

It is not self - it is selflessness.

“So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

(Galatians‬ 6‬:9‬-10‬)

Reflection

Reflect on selfish attitudes in your own life.

• What opportunity do you have right now that you can take to selflessly do good for someone else?
• How will this change something in you?
• How may it change things for them?

Christian Surfers is a global movement with local missions sharing the good news of Jesus with surfers, so that every surfer and every surfing community would have opportunity to know and follow Jesus. Subscribe to receive regular inspirational stories from Christian Surfers around the world and opportunities to get involved.