BE READY
by Dave Wilkerson
Aviation and Christianity are 24-7
Thanks to combat photographers from the last century, this image of a pilot's helmet astraddle a canopy frame has become nearly cliché. Still, those who see it experience diverse emotions, each dependant on the viewer's background. The sunset scene above occurred not at some distant and exotic military field, not aboard a mighty carrier poised to enforce its nation's will, nor at a busy, tense military training field. This scene occurred at a popular Oklahoma airport. Even though the setting was civil, the pilot placed his helmet at the ready, as was his long practice, for his business and his character demanded readiness.
The airplane in this photo is the Aero L-39 'Albatros.' A redesign of the frumpy L-29, the sleek2-seat 'Albatros' began production in 1972, after East German, Czech and Soviet planners had officially selected it as their newest trainer. Very good airplanes indeed, L-39s occupy the hangars of increasing numbers of westerners, used machines being purchased from countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Libya, former Soviet states and more. So varied a background highlights a salient point that aviation's Christians should remember: nearly each of these nations was once under communist rule, or under a heavy dictatorial hand that invariably forbade dissemination of the Gospel. But those souls under these heavy yokes were ready when the opportunity for freedom arose – their spiritual helmets rested on their canopy frames. When the call to action came, they acted. They prayed. They spoke of Him who, upon making one free, makes one free indeed. Hearts, hands, feet, wings, wheels and eyes worked together, and still do, for freedom of body and spirit.
Within America's aviation community, we Christians have dual responsibility. We are responsible to our vocation for constant readiness to support our chosen field and to be ever ready to ensure safety and security. Whatever role we hold in aviation's realm, these are expected traits. Christians within this industry face the reasonable expectation of the highest of principles, for we claim a living master. He expects that we also be ready at any time to tell others of the spiritual hope within us, and particularly from our personal standpoints. Professional pilots may get paid for what they do. Naturally, they should support aviation. Like professionals in spiritual pursuits, they face a public perception that since their living comes from that field, their credibility is that of salesmen. This is a reasonably valid conclusion. You, on the other hand, make a living in the aviation field, or in some other as you strive for your place in aviation. To those interested in hearing of how Christ has impacted your life, unpaid little you hold a far greater credibility than the biggest paid name in evangelism. Your life shows how you wear your salvation not on your sleeve, but in your heart and on your head.
As you see above, helmets can be very symbolic. In your New Testament you read about the 'helmet of salvation,' a description becoming extremely apt when considering airplanes like the L-39. At fields where these operate regularly, one often sees the back-seater wearing no helmet at all . . . only a headset. Some ground-bound observers have commented on how out of place that seems. "It's just not right. What if they encounter turbulence? What if they crash?" Our only answer: "Then, the one in back may die." Helmets are for protection. Salvation is for protection. Although not all who fly wear one, they all face the risk. Not all who call themselves Christian wear the helmet of salvation, but we each face the need.
Another command from the New Testament is for a Christian to "be ready." Matthew speaks of wedding party members being ready, entering the house when the groom unexpectedly arrives. Mark notes that the spirit is ready, while Luke admonishes us to be ready also, for we never know the hour of His return. From Titus we receive our call to be ready to every good work. 1st Peter commands us to be ready always to give answer to the hope within us, as 2nd Peter instructs us to be instant (ready) in season, out of season . . . in short, just as we are part of aviation's community at every moment, our relationship to Christ bridges our aviation membership 24-7. We are not always at work, but we are always on call. And while we may not feel that our helmet is on our head, it should at least be astraddle the canopy frame.
Photo and Text © David R. Wilkerson, 2004
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