United airlines grounded flights

 

United had to ground its fleet of nearly one hundred 757 airplanes.  That is a financial nightmare in an industry already struggling to keep its head above water, something hurt greatly when it cannot keep its "birds" in the sky.  The airline installed a necessary piece of computer equipment on all 757s back in 2004, but mechanics had not performed all the necessary safety checks.  They have been flying these planes, basically, without explicit permission from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

 

The FAA has industry standards that airlines, like them or not, must follow.  Failure to do so is costly!  There are objective standards, and the agency is blind to brand, label, or headquarters.  Everyone must equally comply (www.usatoday.com).

 

This unfortunate episode, which United is proactively working to resolve, reminds me of something I see far too often in religion.  Jesus, having all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:20), has told us what to teach about salvation, worship, gender roles, church organization and leadership, purpose, and the like.  His inspired Word is the means whereby we measure our compliance.  Unauthorized changes, whether additions or subtractions, constitute a change from what He wills and desires (cf. Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18-19; Gal. 1:6-9).  If, when we examine scripture and handle it aright (2 Tim. 2:15), we find that we are not in compliance with that for which He has called, we need to conform to His standards.  This is neither legalism nor mere liturgy.  It is obeying from the heart the form of doctrine delivered to us (Rom. 6:17).  It is humble submission, ready and eager to do the Lord's will over our own (Phil. 2:13).  The fact that He went to the trouble to preserve His will in His Word shows us that what we do and how we do it is important!  May we, from the inside out, comply with His standards and do all religious things His way!

Neal Pollard