Years ago, when I was traveling from Australia to England for a conference, the Lord gave me a word regarding the trip. The word was, “You will only just make it.” That was not exactly an encouraging word, but when I thought about it, I realized that, thankfully, it did say I would make it.

As I was in the airport, ready to get on the plane, an announcement was made that the co-pilot was sick with food poisoning, and we would not leave until another pilot was available. As a result, we were sent home and later that night eventually departed. After attending the conference and being greatly blessed, I began my trip back home. The Boeing 747 landed for a transit stop in New Delhi, India. I remember getting off the plane for a short stop. Walking up and down the airport, I had such a sense of a demonic presence. So, not knowing exactly what it all meant, I prayed in tongues as I walked.

Soon, it was time for our departure. As the plane took off, a flock of birds flew into the engines on one side of the plane. The plane was at a critical point, and it was too late to abort the takeoff. The pilot had no choice but to continue climbing with a fully loaded plane and only two of the four engines operating. After dumping the fuel, we then headed for Bombay airport. There was a lot of consternation among the passengers. I, however, slept, as I knew that God had said I would make it. We landed successfully, with fire trucks following us down the runway. We were then put up in the Taj Mahal Hotel, where I ended up eating something that made me sick for the next three days. While at the hotel, I talked with an officer from the 747, who stated, “That a successful takeoff with the engines on fire was when a pilot earned his keep.” We ended up flying back to Sydney on another plane, and God fulfilled His word, “You will only just make it!”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

Because of that experience, I understood somewhat how the passengers on a flight felt on January 5, 2024, when the door of a Boeing 737 blew off as the plane was taking off. As the plane was climbing and everyone had their seatbelts fastened, one of the exit doors flew off the plane. Fortunately, no one was sitting in the row next to the door.

Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and inspectors already found that bolts and other hardware on multiple planes were not tight enough. Consequently, commentators have suggested that ‘quality control’ for one reason or another had been compromised. One commentator saw it this way, “Make no mistake. Boeing’s woes are ours as well, for this onetime leader in aviation has made a series of missteps that go far beyond their own financial and reputational damage. The company has compelled a worldwide market to ask whether the United States has slid into mediocrity. In aviation, that is nothing less than catastrophic. Wall Street analysts may do the numbers regarding Boeing’s future, but we need to ask ourselves, especially this year, have Americans lost their sense of pride in the work they do? In our nation? In our future? Is Boeing’s crisis symptomatic of our nation’s challenges at a time when deliberate disinformation is designed to break our spirit and abdicate our leadership”(gatestoneinstitute.org)”

WHAT IS EXCELLENCE?

Excellence is more easily known than defined. Excellence is a quality that involves greatness, superbness, being the best at something, being flawless, or, in common terms, being first-rate. i.e., it is not mediocrity; rather, it is the opposite of inferiority.

EXCELLENCE IN SCRIPTURE

There are many verses in Scripture that speak of excellence:

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (ESV). Excellence starts within us as we are committed to achieving it. 

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (ESV). Excellence is supposed to be seen in all we do. Whether at home, school, work, or church, everything is to be done with excellence for the Lord.

I Corinthians 12:31 – But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way (ESV). Excellence reaches its highest point when we embrace the call to do things in love. 

JOSEPH

In Genesis, we read about Joseph, who is an example of a man who lived a life of excellence. When he was a slave in Potiphar’s house, Joseph did excellent work(Genesis 39). Then, when he was a prisoner in Pharoh’s jail, Joseph still did excellent work(Genesis 40). Consequently, Joseph ended up being rewarded for his excellence, becoming the second in charge under Pharoah.

Excellence starts with a positive attitude that enables a person to fulfill his calling in life, no matter the circumstances they face.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Excellence is required in manufacturing planes. But it is also something that Christians should aim for. We may not always reach that level, but our attitude in whatever we do should be marked by a desire for excellence.

Consider the words of Proverbs 6:6, which states, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (NKJ). In other words, the ways of insects will shame people who are lazy and, as the Bible puts it, sluggards.

Christians should be known for doing an excellent job. They should have a reputation of excellence. That is the challenge for all of us. 

RESOURCES

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/20394/boeing-leadership-crisis