Tom Barnard

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Proverbs 14:2 and 16:25

In a sermon entitled, “The Way that Seems Right,” evangelist Charles G. Finney observed, “The original word ('seems') denotes what lawyers express by saying a thing is right 'prima facie'—on its face—at first appearance—as the case presents itself at first view and without looking at the other side. Unless objections appear, it is to be assumed as true.” (The Oberlin Evangelist, July 6, 1859) Sometimes, however, first appearances may be very wrong.

At just after 6 a.m. on Sunday morning, August 27, 2006, a tragic event took place at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. Flight 51-91 attempted a takeoff on a wrong runway and immediately crashed and burned. Only one person survived the crash—the First Officer. Writing on the subject of “Whom Are You Trusting?” Former United Air Lines pilot Renda Brumbeloe said, “Assumed truth had crept into the cockpit.” These assumptions may have included,

• This runway is adequate in length and width.
• This is the correct runway heading.
• This runway has the proper paint and markings for a 7000 foot runway.
• Our magnetic heading is correct with the assigned runway.
• My instrument departure setup is correct, indicating my departure path.

• I see nothing wrong with this view from where I sit.

Captain Brumbeloe continued, “Situation awareness was lost and attention to the very basics were compromised.” People died. This accident could have been prevented!

My pilot-friend concluded, “We live in an age where absolutes are disdained in the public square. Many of our churches mirror the secular and relative values of society. We want to keep up…rush into new things…go for immediate takeoff…without verifying. To be right, we must keep relative values out of our lives, out of our churches, and out of our beliefs. What we believe and practice, matters.”

Heavenly Father, my heart goes out to those families who lost loved ones on that flight from Lexington. It was another tragic reminder that there are some absolutes in life that cannot be disregarded or postponed. Once again you taught me that my decisions are often impulsive and premature.  I should know better. I know who the “Controller” is, and he knows where I am. I need to follow the guidelines that have been set out for me. I pray that you will help me avoid decisions that will harm me and cripple others. Today I yield my will again to You. In the strong Name of your Son I pray. Amen.