United 93

Today a film arrives in theaters that will provide a grim reminder of the events of September 11, 2001. It is a near real-time snapshot of the fatal flight of United 93 that crashed in rural Pennsylvania when a group of passengers stormed the cockpit following the murder of the pilots and a flight attendant. It is not just a story about one man or a couple of people, but the story, as much as can be known, their story, our story as a nation. It's a story about courage, commitment to a cause, hope for others, a single selfless act to help a nation in turmoil.

None of the people aboard that plane that day would have any knowledge of the meaning of their actions, or inaction. Just they, a few who listened in on 911 calls and some last minute family good-bye calls would know what would happen in that moment. But those who decided to act made a difference to countless lives on the ground, in the Capital (which was saved by their actions), in the nation. Maybe it's no coincidence that instead of a Hooters, Sky Blue, Ted, ATA, or some other company plane it was United, just like they were. I don't think even an American flight would have had the same impact. They were united for a cause, together, in an action for others that would take their own lives.

Wow! What a story! They weren't looking out for themselves. They weren't looking toward heaven. They were doing what they thought was right, some to please God, others simply because it was the moral thing to do. But it wasn't their belief that made the difference, it was the action on that belief!

It's always the action that's most important. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that action is weighted more than faith, but as James said, its the actions that prove the faith. He said, "faith without good works is dead [faith]." (James 1:26, my translation)

A couple of weeks ago I talked about heaven, (Easter Sunday) that it wasn't the goal. Paul said it this way, "But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions. Sooner or later we'll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what's coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:9-10, The Message)

Action based upon our faith is critical. It is living out what faith we have in a real way.

How do we do that?

"We see that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, The Message)

Uniting with the Messiah changes our lives, our actions. It's no simple belief system. It's a transformation...

...that plays out in how we live, behind closed doors, behind the masks we wear, and out in public. Christ's actions mattered.

The actions of the United people on flight 93 mattered.

Our actions matter.

Peace ><>
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