Faith’s Flight Plan
An airplane pilot rarely flies in a straight line. As the plane moves through the sky, it repeatedly falls off course. The pilot, then makes adjustments to the plane to keep it on course. Pilots make adjustments to these three positions of the plane, Roll, Pitch and Yaw. The apostle Paul repeatedly reminded Jesus’s followers to check their heading and make adjustments to stay on course. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul starts out with three positions that we must constantly check and course correct if necessary.
The Encounter: Remembering the Life-Changing Moment
“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NASB1995)
The first thing you need to check is your encounter with Jesus. How did you come to believe in Jesus? In many churches, they have Altar Calls, that time in the church service where the leader asks people to come forward to give their hearts to Jesus. Some have experienced the life transformative power of the Gospel alone, in the quietness of their homes. Others, on the battlefield, where life and death are ever present. However, you came to believe in Jesus, it’s important to remember that moment when your life was changed.
The Walk: Aligning Actions with Faith
The second thing you need to check is your walk. Christians refer to how they live their lives as a Walk with Jesus, and the Bible tells us that we need to check how we live with the Word of God. Are we walking in a way that is pleasing to God? That constant evaluation is important to maintaining and pursuing God’s destination.
The Grip: Holding Firm to Your Convictions
The third thing you need to check is your grip. In our world, it has become increasingly difficult to stand up for what you believe in. Many times, it’s because we don’t have a firm enough grip on why we believe in what we believe in.
“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB1995)
Peter’s words partner with Paul’s when they say that we need to always be ready. Not ready to argue, but ready to tell people about why our lives are different. Our grip on the Word of God should be strong and not easily shaken.
Moving Forward: The Purpose of Remembering
Paul’s reminder that we should always be remembering our encounter, walk, and grip should be an encouragement to us today that we are in the family of God. We should also remind ourselves that these three things are to move us forward and out into the world to tell others about Jesus and how living for Him has made all the difference in the world.
Making a Difference in the World
As we reflect on these three crucial aspects – encounter, walk, and grip – let’s consider practical ways to apply them in our lives:
- Create intentional moments of reflection: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your encounter with Jesus. Remember the moment when your life was transformed, and express gratitude for His grace.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
- Daily examination of your walk: Develop a habit of examining your actions and decisions in light of God’s Word. Ask yourself if your walk aligns with the principles of love, compassion, and righteousness found in the Bible.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
- Strengthen your grip on the Word: Engage in regular Bible study and memorization. Build a strong foundation for your beliefs so that you can confidently share your faith when opportunities arise.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB1995)
- Equip yourself for defense with gentleness: Practice articulating your faith with gentleness and reverence, as advised by Peter. Be ready to share your hope with others, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in your life.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
- Engage in evangelism: Use your own story of encounter, walk, and grip as a tool for evangelism. Your authenticity and personal experience can have a profound impact on those around you.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB1995)
Navigating the Skies of Faith
The journey of faith is much like navigating the skies. Regularly checking our encounter with Jesus, aligning our walk with His teachings, and maintaining a firm grip on the Word of God are essential for staying on course. As we remember these aspects, let us not only find encouragement in our identity as part of God’s family but also be inspired to venture into the world, sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of faith, impacting those around us for the glory of God.
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