Going With the Flow

The deeper I go into what I see as the authentic teachings of Jesus, the simpler they become. A river flows in a single direction, but we can paddle our canoe in two directions. We can take the easy way of flowing with the current, or we can take the more difficult way of paddling upstream and going against the current. The river does not punish or impose our struggle. Struggle comes with our choice to paddle upstream. As a teacher, Jesus tried to help people understand the nature of the river and then learn to recognize which way they were paddling their canoe.

Because of the inherent difficulties of life in a body, it is easy to believe that paddling upstream is the intended human condition. The mainstream Christian assumes we’re being tested by the current to see if we’re worthy of reaching that place of eternal rest and peace upstream. The alternative Christian believes there are lessons to be learned from the struggle, but all will be worth it when we reach that great moment of enlightenment, also upstream.

It does not seem to me that these were models Jesus had in mind. His prodigal son spent the first half of his journey paddling upstream. When he reached his point of absolute failure and exhaustion, all he was required to do was turn his canoe and flow back into the everlasting arms of a loving father. We could, in one sense, think of this as grace.

To say that we cannot worship both God and mammon is another way of saying we can’t travel in two directions at once. Either we are paddling against the current, or we are going with the flow. This can be a helpful image for us to consider. The river flows in one direction. Am I paddling against the current, or am I flowing with it? To find out, I only need to look at how I’m handling my life. Am I stressed out, fighting for every inch I gain? Or am I relaxed and enjoying my journey? Am I praying for the river to help me win my upstream battle? Or, am I affirming the natural flow of the river is now carrying me to my greatest good?

While our prayers are often attempts to change the course of the river, Jesus seemed pretty clear that our priority should be to seek first an understanding of the river’s natural flow and the rest would be added as well. The scenery is just as beautiful upstream or down, but we are more likely to enjoy this journey going with the flow.