Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Removing the Evidence


According to an often forwarded email; here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews. Having lived in and worked in an Air Force town and known both pilots and mechanics, I would not be surprised if these statements are true.

  • Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement." /Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."
  • Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough." /Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."
  • Problem: "Something loose in cockpit." /Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."
  • Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud." /Solution: "Volume set to more believable level."
  • Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."/ Solution: "Live bugs on order."
  • Problem: "IFF inoperative." /Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."
  • Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick." /Solution: "That's what they're there for."
  • Problem: "Number three engine missing." /Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."
  • Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear." /Solution: "Evidence removed."

That last one got my attention. It describes how many of us try to deal with our spiritual shortcomings. There's evidence of sin in our lives, but instead of trying to correct the problem, we merely try to remove the evidence. But only when we are honest before God is there hope of forgiveness.

David discloses a better attitude in Psalm 51:1-3, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. "

No more hiding of evidence, as there once had been in David's life. Merely an honesty and a remorse about what he had done, and a desire to once again be right in God's eyes.

May we learn from David, the man after God's own heart. Scott

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