Thursday, January 5, 2017
I just read this morning the account of the two sisters who were kicked out of their flight to go see their dying father. One of the sisters said they were told the reason they were kicked off was because they were a threat to the flight. Since their father died shortly thereafter, she wants the airline to be held accountable and thinks the attendants should lose their jobs because of it. What puzzled me somewhat was that this sister claimed the attendants “didn’t have heart” in the same sentence where she said they should lose their jobs. Is it not heartless to hope someone loses their job? I hope I didn’t give you the impression that I have taken sides on this matter. In fact, let me say that I have no idea who is right or wrong in this matter, whether the airline, the sisters, or both. In fact, I’ll never give my opinion on that incident, or any other, when only one side of the story has been heard. Paul wrote this sound piece of advice:“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Because we are human, we are prone to jumping at conclusions upon hearing the first side or account of any story. I don’t know how many of you will admit to this, but I know I have been burned more than once by believing the first side of a story. In this incident, as in all others which raise questions, the only One who knew the motives and intentions of the hearts of all those involved was God. And in almost every case, its not what we do but the reasons we do them, that matter most to God.
I know I’ve touched on this topic before but I sincerely believe it merited being repeated. I also believe, as in the majority of cases, that this incident could have been avoided and a better outcome would have resulted if things would have been handled differently. Occurrences such as these will continue to come our way. May the Lord, therefore, give us the grace and wisdom to act accordingly when they do.
God’s word for today: (Romans 14:13) “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”
