Autopilot

Two pilots recently had their licenses revoked by the FAA because they overshot the runway in Minneapolis by 150 miles. It seems that they were on their laptops during the fight going over new procedures they needed to learn. They were not paying attention. The autopilot allowed them to do this.

 

We like to go on autopilot ourselves. By autopilot, I mean we like to avoid change, go through the motions or put in little effort. We stop paying attention to what's important. Sometimes we autopilot so we can multitask. I know I dislike talking with someone who is doing other things while we are talking. I like them to stop and give me attention, even if my presence is a disruption or nuisance.

 

As in the case of the pilots, we all face judgment when we go on autopilot. God tells us that, like it or not, how we have cruised through life will come under his scrutiny and he will judge what we have done. If Jesus is any barometer, God doesn't like us on autopilot. Jesus stayed focused on God with laser-like intensity. We have much to change before we are the kind of lovers of others God calls us to be. To be like Jesus. This cannot be done on autopilot. Love cannot take place on autopilot because love is intentional.

 

God's judgment is the moment of truth when we are faced with big things and have to rely on our character rather than magic to get us through. Judgment Day come often and before death.

 

Are you ready for the moment of truth? The moment that will test how you are navigating life? The moment God wants to use to usher you into a larger life? That moment will be a disappointment if we are cruising on autopilot. That moment will be bliss if we have been intentional about following Christ.

 

 There is a way that seems right to a man,
       but in the end it leads to death.  Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)