It probably does not happen as often in real life as it does in the movies (or at least, let’s hope not). Unbeknownst to the passengers, something happens to the pilot midflight and an announcement comes over the speakers in the cabin, “Is there a pilot on board?” At that moment, there is a desperate need for someone who can fly and land that plane. Everyone on board hopes that there is a pilot amongst them, who is ready to step up and fly.
The following scenario is not parallel, but it makes me wonder if pilots who fly on planes as passengers have similar thoughts to these when they’re boarding and taking their seats. I am sure that this is going to sound strange to some people, but when I visit another congregation, I sometimes have the thought, “What if they need someone to preach today?” It’s a game that I play in my head almost every time I walk into a church building as a visitor—“If they need a preacher today and asked for a volunteer, what would I preach on?” I do it to challenge myself, keep my mind sharp and to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). When it’s what you do and what you love, you want opportunities to do it.
Does this have any application to Christians today? A pilot always needs to be “ready” to fly. A preacher always needs to be “ready” to preach. A Christian always needs to be “ready” to fulfill his responsibilities. Consider these four.
A Christian must always be “ready to preach” (Rom. 1:15). This isn’t standing in a pulpit. This is fulfilling the commission to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Are you always “ready” to teach someone about Jesus Christ?
A Christian must always be “ready to give” (1 Tim. 6:18). This isn’t talking about the collection basket on Sundays. This is preparation to help someone in time of need, whether privately or as part of a church-wide effort. Are you always “ready” to share what you have with others for their good?
A Christian must always be “ready for every good work” (Tit. 3:1). Opportunities to “do good” are all around us and come at moments when we may least expect it. Are you always “ready” to work for the Lord?
A Christian must “always be ready to give a defense” (1 Pet. 3:15). People are searching for truth. People will ask questions. We must study and prepare ourselves with truth. Are you always “ready” to give a Bible answer?
If a call came—“Is there a Christian on board?”—would you be “ready” to respond? Is it what you do? Is it what you love? Think about it.