This piece was heard on National Public Radio's Morning
Edition on November 2, 1988: "In 1958, America's first commercial jet air
service began with the flight of the Boeing 707. A month after that first
flight, a traveler on a piston-engine, propeller-driven DC-6 airliner struck up
a conversation with a fellow passenger. The passenger happened to be a Boeing
engineer. The traveler asked the engineer about the new jet aircraft, whereupon
the engineer began speaking at length about the extensive testing Boeing had
done on the jet engine before bringing it into commercial service. He recounted
Boeing's experience with engines, from the B-17 to the B-52. When his traveling
companion asked him if he himself had yet flown on the new 707 jet airliner,
the engineer replied, "I think I'll wait until it's been in service
awhile."
I share this old story to remind us enthusiastic
conversation is not enough. Clear headed understanding of the basis for our belief
is not enough. Involvement in helping other believers in their understanding is
not enough. An active faith requires we put our lives where our mouth and mind
are.
I mention this because so many believers become animated
about the “Happy Holidays” greeting that has replaced “Merry Christmas” in the
marketplace of America.
I confess my dismay at the loss of that tradition, but, if I insist on the
tradition while berating cashiers, pushing into line, attempting to have the
most expansive Holiday Party, then my mouth is writing a check that my life is
not able to cash. I have a suggestion – when an opportunity comes up to voice
our passionate belief, before opening our mouths, let’s first give thought to
an action which may precede or follow the comment which speaks for us the love
Christ brought to earth over 2000 years ago.
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