Aircraft Carrier or Cruise Ship

An interest in our personal well-being, convenience, and comfort is characteristic of all of us because we are in the flesh. But when we look at Scripture, we find another, no less important principle for the life and thinking of a Christian—radical devotion to the Lord. Not always, but often, this devotion will go against our comfort and convenience in life. And it is precisely at that moment that the genuineness of our commitment to God is truly tested!

I do not remember where or from whom I have heard this comparison, but here it is: the Church can become either an aircraft carrier or a cruise ship. What is the point of such a comparison? A cruise ship is built with one purpose—to help people relax, have a good time, enjoy various conveniences, and be entertained. An aircraft carrier is built for a completely different purpose—to be a powerful instrument to fight the enemy and, literally, participate in military operations. An aircraft carrier transports aircraft to strategic parts of the world so that they can make necessary intrusions into enemy territory and defend the interests of their nation.

The church is not a cruise ship where everyone gathers to have a wonderful time, enjoy entertainment, experience a good atmosphere, and get some rest. The church is an aircraft carrier, where everyone works to defend the country against an aggressor and even to reclaim territory from the enemy. This is exactly what the church does in the spiritual realm! Christ did not create the Church so that we could have a good time, but that we would be engaged in spiritual warfare for the souls of sinners in this world.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14–16)

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18)

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…” (Matt. 16:24)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matt. 28:19)

“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Luke 16:13)

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” (Phil. 1:27–30)

Beings a light in this world, standing against the evil forces, denying ourselves, making disciples, devoting ourselves exclusively to God, bearing fruit, suffering, and engaging in the struggle—this is not a leisurely stroll or a vacation on a cruise ship. It is a real battle in which the church (the aircraft carrier) participates under the leadership of its Commander—Jesus Christ!

When this way of thinking penetrates deeply into our hearts, we will find it easier to endure disagreements within the church. We will find it easier to bear with the mistakes of others, their imperfections, and even those aspects of church practice that may be inconvenient for us.

If I understand that we are currently engages in military operations, and the battle is a matter of life and death, then it would be completely unacceptable for me, at such a time, to rearrange the furniture simple for better comfort. I will be supplying ammunition so that the enemy’s attack can be repelled in time. I will not devote all my attention to improving the comfort of my stay on the ship (although, we do think about this and will take care of it), but I will do everything I can to help the church win as many people as possible for Christ!

I invite you to pray and, in prayer, before God these questions: Where am I? How do I view the church? What are my goals? What kind of fruit am I bearing? Give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to show you where and in what areas you need to make adjustments in your life. And most importantly, trusting in God’s grace, change your convictions, intentions, and objectives.

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:1-4