Parachutes and Perspectives

Recently I've been thinking quite a bit about Perspective. A good many years ago now, (I'm increasingly alarmed at the rate in which time flies), our Pastor and friend Greg Makcen shared an illustration with us. At the time, we had never heard of the speaker, Ray Comfort. Now we are quite familiar with his work and teachings with a program called "The Way of the Master". I wanted to share that illustration with you, as it relates to Perspective.


It is the tale of a man who boards a plane. Crowded with other passengers. The man settles into his seat, and the plane takes off for its intended destination. Presently, a flight attendant comes to the man with a parachute in her hands. "Sir, please put on this parachute. We want your flight to be most enjoyable, and if you will just put this on, your will flight will be easier and more comfortable, with no problems to worry about!" So of course, the passenger obliges. After all, who wouldn't want an easier, more enjoyable flight? After a short time, however, the man notices that everyone is laughing at him. He can't sit all the way back in his seat, for the parachute pack is secured to his back. People are pointing. He feels ridiculous. His flight isn't more comfortable! He isn't having an easier time! Finally, in disgust, he yanks the parachute straps from off his shoulders, throws the parachute onto the floor, stomps on it, and declares with finality that he will NEVER put on another parachute as long as he lives.
In Contrast, let's take the same story. Man boards plane. Flight attendant approaches. This time, she says, "Sir, QUICKLY put this parachute on. At any moment this plane could go down, and you will have to jump from the plane. PUT ON THE PARACHUTE!" Of course, the passenger obliges. He secures the parachute to his back. He can't sit all the way back. He is indeed uncomfortable. People point to him and laugh. He looks ridiculous sitting in his seat with a parachute on. He pays it no mind, however, because he KNOWS that at any moment that parachute will save his life. It matters not that it is uncomfortable, unfashionable, and seems unnecessary to others. In fact, let's even suppose that a flight attendant walks past him and spills hot coffee all over him. Would he then become angry at the parachute and throw it off in disgust? No! Still, he gladly embraces the parachute.
This is an illustration of the fallacy of sharing the Gospel with a wrong emphasis. Living a life of Chrisitianity will not ensure your comfort, ease, financial success, or lack of problems and challenges. However, embracing Christ as the only HOPE of your salvation, your only SAVIOR from the wrath that is to come, will change your perspective on how you deal with these issues when they arrive. If you understand this message, you are far less likely to "throw Christ off" when hard times come and turn your back on the message. If you understand this, you only cling harder to your Savior when it's almost time to jump.

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This illustration has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. I have needed a reminder on the importance of my perspective. Not that I've been tempted to throw off Christ, but perhaps to 'feel sorry for myself', when life just isn't producing the results that I had hoped for in certain areas. To that end, there is a song that has been continually bringing me to a place of re-focusing. I have not arrived at the place in my life spiritually where I want to be, regarding areas of de-railment and disappointment. An attitude of PRAISE ANYWAY is what I'm endeavoring to cultivate. Someday I hope it is just second nature. In the meantime, I need focus-shifters like this one:

"How Can I Keep From Singing"

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne


LYRICS BY CHRIS TOMLIN