Lessons from a Sailboat 13

Lesson 13: Fenders Have a Purpose

If you visit a marina you will often see cylindrical rubber devices hanging from the sides of boats. These are not decorations (they are too tacky looking for that). These rubber cylinders are called fenders or bumpers, depending on which part of the world you live. Their purpose is to protect the side of the boat from damage that might be caused by rubbing against the dock or another boat. Fenders don’t protect from serious collisions but from day to day interaction with the environment of a marina.

In our Christian life we have to live and interact with other people. Some of them are Christian, others are not. Most of the time these people will not cause us wilful damage. However the accumulative effect of day to day interaction with others who might rub us the wrong way can sometimes get us down. To cushion the negative effect caused by the hurtful actions and words of others we need to have spiritual fenders. We need to be able to lessen the impact with our own soft words, kind actions, and quiet demeanour. In this way we avoid hurt feelings and damaged relationships.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Lessons from a Sailboat 12

Lesson 12: The Importance of Lights

One of the most important safety lessons for sailors is to make sure that other boaters are aware of their boat’s presence. On a clear day most boats can easily be seen. At night it is a different story. This is why all boats have to be equipped with lights in the event that they are out after dark. The regulations vary according to the size of the boat, but most often boats have a green light showing on the starboard (right), a red light showing on the port (left) and a white light showing on the stern (back). In fog boats have to sound a horn or bell.

In our post-modern, post-Christian culture, it is more important than ever for Christians to be seen and heard. Our western culture is steadily growing darker. We need to let our light shine so that all who are around us will know who we are and what we are. We don’t need to blast them out of the water with a giant floodlight. But neither should we hide our light. An unmistakable “red light” will make it clear where we draw the line. A “green light” will show what our standards are. And a “white light” will reveal our true self. And when things are morally foggy, let us not hesitate to make our voices heard.

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven

Lessons from a Sailboat 11

Lesson 11: Compass

For centuries sailors have relied on their compass to find their way across vast stretches of unmarked ocean. When out of sight of land or sailing in a fog there is no way to tell in which direction you are heading without a compass or GPS. A compass contains a magnet that lines up with the earth’s magnetic pole. It is therefore possible to navigate fairly confidently even when you cannot see any onshore marks to guide you. On my sailboat the compass is mounted where I can easily see it while operating the tiller so that I can keep the boat on a steady course at all times.

Many old gospel songs have compared elements of our Christian faith to a compass. Some songs describe the Bible as a compass that points us in the right direction. Other songs talk of the Holy Spirit as our compass that guides us to Christ and Heaven. There are songs that refer to our conscience as a compass. All of these images have merit. But whether you talk about the Bible or the Holy Spirit or your conscience, all of them give direction only. The compass does not steer the boat. In the end it is up to you to decide the direction of your life. You can choose to ignore or to follow the directions that God gives you.

Matthew 9:9

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

Lessons from a Sailboat 10

Lesson 10: Ropes

On a sailboat ropes are called lines. Not all lines are the same. They vary in dimension and quality, depending on their use. The anchor line for example is often made of nylon or polyester and is usually thicker in diameter than the other lines on the boat. The lines used to trim the sails (i.e. adjust it) are called sheets. Those used to hoist the sail are called halyards. These are usually made of Kevlar. Some ropes are stranded and others are braided. All lines are made of thin strands of yarn (some natural some synthetic) that are twisted or braided together to make a strong rope.

Everyone knows that there is strength in numbers. Just as one strand of yarn is weak, so one person trying to live the Christian life in his or her own strength will find themselves weak. No one can live the Christian life on his or her own. By ourselves we are weak. God never intended us to do this alone. He has promised to be with us, and He has put is in the community of believers. On our own we will break, but united to Jesus and in the company of other Christians we are strong.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

Lessons from a Sailboat 9

Lesson 9: The Rudder Gives Control

One of the most important parts of any boat is the rudder. This is a flat surface, usually made of aluminum and/or wood that is attached to the transom (back end) of the boat directly behind the keel. It is underwater and cannot be seen. Attached to the rudder is either a tiller (a kind of handle) or cables leading to a steering wheel. The rudder is the main control used for changing the direction of the boat. Compared to the size of the boat, the rudder is relatively small, but it is this small part that controls the entire boat.

It is extremely important for a Christian to be in control of his or her life. Nothing turns off unbelievers more quickly than a Christian who does not have self-control. A Christian who cannot control his/her tongue can cause a lot of damage. One who cannot control his/her appetite or sexual desires presents a poor example to others. On the other hand a Christian who demonstrates self control of his/her temper, and patience in the face of adversity is a powerful witness of the power of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:4

…each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable

Lessons from a Sailboat 8

Lesson 8: The Keel Provides Balance

People who don’t understand how sailboats work often wonder why yachts don’t capsize when they lean over to the side. This leaning is called heeling. Small sailboats like a dingy do sometimes capsize, which is why you might see sailors leaning out over the side to try to prevent that. In a yacht, however, it is not possible to keep the boat upright by moving the crew around. Yachts have a heavy counterweight built into their keel. This counterweight of concrete or steel balances the force of the wind in the sails so that the boat does not tip over.

What keeps you from going “bottom up” in your spiritual life? Winds of adversity will blow; have no doubt about that. There will be times when you will feel that you are about to lose control. There will be times when you will feel swamped. There will be times when you will feel that you are about to experience a “shipwreck.” In such times remember what keeps your life in balance. It is that strong spiritual force that the world cannot see but that you know is there keeping you in place. Instead of desperately trying to balance things yourself, rely on God’s Holy Spirit. He will keep you on an even keel.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Lessons from a Sailboat 1

Lesson 1: Different Kinds of Boats

Over the years I have ridden in, borrowed, rented, and owned a number of different kinds of boats. I recall rowboats, and a small punt, both of which I rowed to get anywhere. Needless to say I did not go far in these. There was also a canoe, which required almost as much work at the rowboats. Then there were several small aluminum fishing boats to which I could attach an outboard motor. More fun than a rowboat and I could go farther. And then there were the sailboats. More fun than the aluminum boats and I could stay out overnight and even cook on board. But each boat had a purpose. How boring and impractical life on the water would be if every boat was alike.

The same is true of our lives. We are all different from each other. Each of us has talents and abilities unique to us. We each have different personalities, differnt looks, and different temperments. It would be as unfair to compare ourselves with others as it would be to compare a canoe to a sailboat. As there are different kinds of boats, so too there are different kinds of people. We should not expect others to be like us. And we should not try to be like others. We should learn to appreciate ourselves as part of God's Creation and seek to find our purpose and place in life.

1 Corinthians 12:6
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.