I read a report this morning released by the FAA regarding airline passengers. In any given year there are around 150-200 reports of unruly or dangerous behavior. This year so far that number has jumped to 1300 even though the number of passengers remains lower than pre-pandemic years.
These incidents are described as passengers refusing to wear masks, drinking excessively, and engaging in physical or verbal assaults, including political intimidation and harassment of lawmakers. Flight attendants have been physically assaulted, pushed and even choked. Many are saying enough and simply quitting or retiring.
Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is not just found in the airline industry. We see it everywhere. People are angry, frustrated, arrogant, unruly, self-righteous, and sometimes just downright mean.
And, this type of behavior is also not limited to the unsaved. It is found in the church and para-church groups as well.
At the end of Paul’s second letter to the Corinth church, he expressed his concern for them. He told them he feared coming to them and finding that “there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” [2 Corinthians 20b HCSB]
After expressing his fears, he gave them a final command. “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” [13:11 HCSB]
I expect the world to often act in unruly, disruptive behaviors. I do not expect to see that type of behavior among Christians. What are we saying to the world when we act like them? What are we saying to the unsaved when we quarrel among ourselves or engage in selfish ambitions?
It is time we chase worldly behaviors from our midst. It is time we become mature and of the same mind. If we do not, we will lose the opportunities we have to change our world for Christ Jesus.
