Every day of year many people will find themselves seated for
considerable lengths of time on both sides of an aisle all facing
forward. Crowded together like sheep, they will be served by smartly
dressed persons who assist them as they all proceed on a journey, the
outcome of which is not in their hands, but rests in the hands of a
skilled Pilot. As they are gathered together they will be offered
some nourishment that some will refuse. They will be expected to look
at some printed material and listen carefully to what is being said -
although many will ignore the speaker. They will be told that they
are required to comply with the instructions of those who tell them
how to be saved. Where are they?
If you can see a resemblance between going to church and traveling on a commercial airline - then you I and are on the same page. For there is a resemblance that is worth thinking about. especially from the perspective of a pastor.
It
seems to me that a useful comparison may be made between pastors and
flight crew/flight attendants, as the above riddle suggests.
- Flight attendants do not pilot the aircraft on the journey - neither do pastors determine the course of people's lives.
- Flight crew do not own the airline - neither do pastors own their churches.
- Flight attendants do represent the airline and its image and therefore wear a nice uniform and maintain their appearance. Pastors, too, should look smart and take care to represent the church well in all they do.
The
instructions given by the flight crew are to be respected and heeded.
Federal regulations require that all passengers comply with the
instructions given by flight attendants. Likewise the Holy Scriptures
require that all church members respect the instruction and guidance
of pastors as they have the best interests of the whole church in
mind and of individuals in particular who must all answer to a higher
Authority - God.
The
instructions given by flight attendants may actually save you from
death. The instructions given by pastors often involve facts and the
administration of the means of grace that can make all the difference
between eternal life and eternal death.
Most of all, flight attendants never cease to care about and care for passengers. As long as you are on their flight, the flight crew will try to do all they can to make your journey a positive one.
British
Airways used to have the slogan "To Fly - To Serve". That
was a reference to the mission of the flight crew as they committed
themselves to attending to their passengers' every need. At the same
time, the flight crew shared the fate of their passengers should
anything happen during the flight.
It is the mission of pastors to serve in a similar way - to attend to the needs of the people entrusted into their care. And during the journey of life to put the needs of their fellow-passengers at the forefront of their minds.
Like
airlines, there are many choices of religions available to you. But
instead of saying, "Thank you for choosing us," I am going
to say, "Thank God that He chose you, called you by the Gospel,
enlightens you with His gifts, sanctifies you, and keeps you in the
true faith!" We hope that you have a pleasant journey!
