Living Water by Larry Garrett

Image: WSL / Laurent

We all have different reasons for why we surf and for the most part, we could all agree that it is the stoke we feel when catching a good wave. For some, it is the community of people that they come in contact with on a weekly or monthly basis. On the North Shore, surfing is often referred to as a selfish and egotistical sport. People come from around the world searching for the perfect wave, the one epic season that will take them to the next level, the one time where they can claim that they have arrived a big wave surfer.  While trying to make a name for themselves they focused on all the wrong things that this life has to offer. Unfortunately at the end of the day, they are left with an empty life that only lasted or is only remembered at the moment. This is not the life that Jesus wanted for them or wants for us. We all need to remember that this life is all about Loving God and Loving People and there is nothing selfish about that (Matthew 22:37-39). 

As Christian Surfers we need to view surfing as a tool that the Lord gives us to steward as we focus on what is most important, HIM. If you are a part of CS or are just checking it out,  there is a phrase that is passed around and it says, "Jesus Christ is our message, surfing is our tool, relationships are our method and community is our platform."  Using this statement to balance our lives is part of keeping Jesus' economy. In Jesus' economy of surfing, He is stoked that we get to enjoy His creation and all of His creation was made to give Him glory.

The real question that needs to be answered is are we living our lives fully for Him even in the lineup? I think that in Jesus' economy we need to understand that He wants us to stay obedient and faithful while still getting to celebrate the Christian life in all we do and as often as possible. Simply said,  if we are going to surf, we should find a way to live for Jesus even in our surfing. Living for ourselves is no longer an option because we surrendered our lives to the King of Kings. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,..." Col 3:23