Learning to Fly

You're driving to this small town airport with your family. You're nervous, yet excited at the same time. When you get there, you watch a short video instructing you on what you are supposed to do. Then you have to sign a waiver, promising that you won't sue anyone if you get hurt. It makes you even more nervous. They strap you into a harness. You board the plane. The instructor hooks his harness and yours together. When the plane reaches about 12,000 feet, the door opens. With your instructor right behind you, you ease your toes over the edge. You rock back and forth two times, and on the third time you flip out of the plane. You free fall for one minute, following the instructions that were given in the video earlier, on how to fall. Your tandem instructor pulls the parachute, and you slow down to where you can breathe normally and admire the earth beneath you, as the instructor steers the chute. You slowly descend to the ground and land smoothly. Piece of cake right?

If you've ever been skydiving for the first time, you know that there is more to it then just "jumping out of a plane." Before you can feel comfortable exiting an airplane in the middle of the sky, you have to make certain preparations to be ready. You have to receive instruction on what you are supposed to do so you can remain safe. Your parachute needs to be packed correctly. You have to fill out paperwork, and fasten your harness in the right manner. You have to listen and follow what your tandem instructor tells you to do. 

Having faith in Jesus Christ is the same way.

artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle

You can't just say you believe in Him and expect to fly. You have to put forth the effort to show your faith. You have to make certain preparations, keep commandments, live His gospel. We learn from James in the New Testament that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). As you strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and work your hardest to live His commandments, you are showing your love for Him (John 14:15). You are showing your faith. And as you show your faith and live your faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He will help you fly. He will give you the greatest skydiving experience that you can imagine, because you helped. You did your part to prepare for the jump. And oh how great is the spiritual leap of faith. Just like skydiving gives you a fantastic adrenaline rush, living your faith and keeping the commandments can bring you even more happiness, that is everlasting.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...