November 14, 2012

At the risk of sounding like a damaged disk, how often have you heard the phrase “back to basics”?  How often have you gone back to basics?  Sometimes doing that presents us with muscle or memory problems that can be improved, no matter which skill set is considered.

As I defog my memory, it’s easy to remember the flying club requirements for a check ride, or a return to basics, every six months.  Not only that, but the FAA has requirements for a check ride and a review of Federal Aviation Rules every two years.  A pilot has to demonstrate basic knowledge and practice of safe flying if he or she wants to continue in the air.  Examples:  it’s necessary to show one can make coordinated turns at slow airspeeds; to recover from the approach to stalls; it is necessary to hold airspeed on final approach. Oh yes, control of the aircraft on approach to landing when the wind is blowing across the line of flight.  Read an aviation chart?  Certainly.  Know the regulations?  That too.  In case you’re interested, airline pilots have to take check rides, too, but their exam is more rigorous.  Or…back to basics.

In 2 Peter 5:13 the Apostle reminds believers that he has no problem of often reminding them of the basics of their faith; everything they, or we, need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Christ.  What basics?  A reminder that all of us have busted the law (Romans 3:23); that the harsh penalty of that is death (Romans 6:23); that there is someone who loves us enough to care for us and has already paid the fine (John 3:16 & Romans 5:8); that a completely new life is the result of believing in the one who already took our judgment (2 Corinthians 5:17); and there is a rich payoff (Galatians 5:22 – 23)..

See how straight forward it is?  Simple basics.  Go “fly”, and show others how.

PS:  There is a challenge to be excellent in our practice of life in Christ, and the letters that were written to the New Testament churches are great for fine tuning the basics and upgrading our life skills.