If you use the metaphor of a ship, it seems to me that the Church does well when it serves as both anchor and sail.     The anchor helps to retain long established strengths.  But it also hides embedded evils and taboos--such as the ancient, cruel taboo against lgbt persons.  When the young begin to speak out about the emperor's new clothes it should be seen as the Spirit blowing mightily into the sails.  The failure to pull up anchor and move away from newly understood evil brings about the inevitable poisoning and weakening of the Church.  In contrast, when the ship moves and sets anchor in better climes, it has strengthened its ability to hold fast that which is good and endure the storms.