LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING...

Photo by Kamil Macniak

If you have ever been on an airplane, you will know that there comes a point where the captain (or a recording) will give instructions to those flying to their desired destination. While the flight attendants will go through the process of demonstrating the verbal instructions, the hope is that the information will be taken seriously. The instructions often include how to safely exit the plane and how to properly use the breathing devices in case an emergency arises. For the times that I have been on an airplane, I have noticed what others are doing while these vital instructions are given. No one really seems to pay attention or even seems to care. There are people who spend time getting comfortable before the flight begins. Others are talking with the person next to them. There are still others that are on their cell phone or other electronic devices. Even though the information going out could make the difference between life and death, the people that it is intended for just tune and zone out.

Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." How often does God give us advice and instruction, but we allow what He says to go in one ear and out the other? Whether the message comes from a loved one, a sermon, or from reading God's Word, we always have the option to accept or reject what is being said to us. God may tell us to stay away from a relationship that will sure to turn toxic. Or to save some money in case of an emergency. He might even try to let us know that we need to stop long enough to take care of a health issue that could potentially get worse if left unattended. The advice is given, but if we do not take heed, the results could be the difference between life and death. In many instances, the instructions that are given to us often do not seem important to us until something goes awry. If we do not listen while everything is calm and at peace, then it is sometimes too late to expect to be given an overview of lifesaving counsel while everything is in chaos. So whether you plan to take a flight this year or go to church this week, be sure to fine tune your listening ears and heed good advice and instruction. Your life depends on it.