Morning Musing
                                                                         
                                                                          


Every twelve months airline pilots lay it all on the line, submitting to federal testing requirements of personal mental competence and established standards of flying . . . by the book.

Although you may know all the memory items and how every system works, this annual check ride simply will not be over until you are humbled to the fact that you are not perfect . . . that you do not know everything in the flying manual.  The check ride is not over until:

• You have proven your ability to execute every flight maneuver and system emergency.
• You have proven that you can find what you need in the flight manual quickly and fly by the spirit of the book. 
• You have proven that you can exercise Captain’s authority without violating established written regulations. 

Every year, I vividly remember the exuberance of getting back in the pilot’s seat to resume flying after enduring this annual tribulation.   What great joy!

The years of experience of an airline captain, successfully enduring annual check rides, makes him a most valuable company asset.  He has been proven . . . again and again.  Put me on his flight!

God's word teaches us that the more fiery trials you go through, the more valuable you will become as a child of God, the greater the suffering, the greater the result.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12: (NKJV) 

What a model for Christians to emulate!

When we fly by the book, the Holy Bible, we find that humility and suffering is a real trait and mark of the Christian believer. 

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy".  Peter 4:12 (ASV)

Christians are not perfect, but they are tested.   They will face temptation and tribulation.  If you take the seat, the oath, the office of being a Christian, you will face fiery trials.  There will be a check ride! 

You are valuable in God’s Kingdom.  Endure the check ride.   Fly by the Book, and keep the faith!