The Senseless Crash of Flight 401
On the evening of December 29 1972, Eastern Airlines flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades, instantly killing 101 people. What made the tragedy more horrific was that it was easily avoidable.
While preparing to land in Miami, the co-pilot noticed that a light bulb on the instrument panel was malfunctioning, and he tried to replace it. Noticing the problem, the pilot placed the aircraft on auto-pilot as he attempted to assist the co-pilot. As he reached over to do so, the auto-pilot was accidentally disengaged. The pilot and co-pilot, however, were so absorbed with the defective bulb that they apparently ignored the audible “disengage” warning. Nor did they note the rapid descent of the plane. By the time the audible “pull up” alarm sounded, it was too late. They crashed moments later.
Can you imagine? 101 people died because more attention was given to a defective light bulb than to safely landing a commercial jet. Yet as incomprehensible as that is, far worse mistakes are made every day.
For instance, some that are reading this article may unknowingly be experiencing a rapid spiritual descent. They might be so focused on worldly things that they frequently neglect worshipping God every first day of the week. Or they may be so occupied with their children’s extracurricular activities like sports, music, dance or prepping for college that Jesus no longer takes precedence. In addition, many Christians are so devoted to hobbies, gardens, entertainment and social media that daily Bible study and prayer are neglected. Tragically, far too many of these distracted souls are unaware of their spiritual decline until it is too late to “pull up”.
Brethren, don't get so caught up with the cares and riches of this world (Matt. 13:22) that you lose sight of spiritual priorities. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
On the evening of December 29 1972, Eastern Airlines flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades, instantly killing 101 people. What made the tragedy more horrific was that it was easily avoidable.
While preparing to land in Miami, the co-pilot noticed that a light bulb on the instrument panel was malfunctioning, and he tried to replace it. Noticing the problem, the pilot placed the aircraft on auto-pilot as he attempted to assist the co-pilot. As he reached over to do so, the auto-pilot was accidentally disengaged. The pilot and co-pilot, however, were so absorbed with the defective bulb that they apparently ignored the audible “disengage” warning. Nor did they note the rapid descent of the plane. By the time the audible “pull up” alarm sounded, it was too late. They crashed moments later.
Can you imagine? 101 people died because more attention was given to a defective light bulb than to safely landing a commercial jet. Yet as incomprehensible as that is, far worse mistakes are made every day.
For instance, some that are reading this article may unknowingly be experiencing a rapid spiritual descent. They might be so focused on worldly things that they frequently neglect worshipping God every first day of the week. Or they may be so occupied with their children’s extracurricular activities like sports, music, dance or prepping for college that Jesus no longer takes precedence. In addition, many Christians are so devoted to hobbies, gardens, entertainment and social media that daily Bible study and prayer are neglected. Tragically, far too many of these distracted souls are unaware of their spiritual decline until it is too late to “pull up”.
Brethren, don't get so caught up with the cares and riches of this world (Matt. 13:22) that you lose sight of spiritual priorities. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
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