Trust the Pilot

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Mike

When we get on an airplane to fly across the country, we have to put our trust in the pilot and the airplane in which we are flying. We may not understand how spinning fans can lift a machine weighing several hundred thousand pounds off the ground. We likely have no clue what kind of training the pilot had or how many years he has been flying. We have not looked over the maintenance record of the aircraft. And we have not given the pilot a full medical exam. Typically we just buckle our seat belt and try to enjoy the ride. An airplane ride is not a significant part of our life – it is just a form of transportation.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made the point that obsessing over the daily necessities of life and the accumulation of wealth is a distraction from what is really important.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

On the airplane ride, there isn’t any amount of worrying that will cause the craft to fly better or give the pilot additional wisdom. Worrying in the passenger’s seat of an airplane is useless.

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

The airline company you are flying with, keeps a maintenance record that assures your airplane is mechanically fit and they also have a training routine that keeps your pilot fit. Even if these things have been neglected, there’s nothing you can do about it. It is a much better use of your time to focus on the reason you are making the trip.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Jesus taught that we are to trust God. The kingdom of heaven is our ultimate destination and we are to focus on that goal. When we worry about our personal wealth we substitute that for focusing on serving God by serving others. Jesus taught that we are to dedicate our lives to serving God and allow Him to fly the airplane.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Questions for You to Prayerfully Consider

Answer each question as though you were speaking privately to Jesus. Don’t just answer yes or no, explain your answer completely to yourself and to the Lord.

Jesus taught that we are to trust God. The kingdom of heaven is our ultimate destination and we are to focus on that goal.

Have you put your complete trust in God?

What are the things you focus on daily?

Is serving God number one on your list?

Where are you going in your life?

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context. Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations. In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon. Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.