We’re all on a lifelong journey that will hopefully lead us to Heaven. If we’re really determined to get there, we’ll be constantly trying to improve ourselves and working to become a better person. Although, self improvement is great, we aren’t alone in this world and we need to also help those around us who are on their own journey.
We should be a light for others and that includes speaking up when those around us are committing a major sin. We need to use discretion in correcting others, but if we don’t speak up against bad behavior, or if we encourage it, then we aren’t helping the person and are causing them to drift further away from God. In my job as a pilot, we are taught to use crew resource management which involves using all available resources as barriers to help prevent an accident or incident from occurring. If one pilot sees that the other pilot missed a checklist item and calls attention to the mistake, then that aware pilot is acting as a barrier to prevent something bad from happening. Air traffic control keeps aircraft from running into each other and other unseen hazards. It’s always nice to have another set of eyes to help the flight safely reach its destination. Policies and procedures are also implemented to improve safety and help everything run smoother.
Just as airlines incorporate policies, procedures, and rules to follow to promote safety, so does God incorporate rules we should follow to stay safe. Not only does He give us the Ten Commandments, but also the Beatitudes and the seven virtues. If we follow these teachings, we will be well on our way to Heaven.
If someone sins against us, we should try to reconcile with that person and bring them back on the right path. Keep the lines of communication open because sometimes the offending person does something that hurts us without realizing that they did anything wrong. It’s easy to wipe our hands clean of someone who hurt us and have the attitude of they get what they deserve. However, we shouldn’t give up so easily on others. We should give everyone an opportunity to reconcile with us and get back on the right path.
It’s always sad to see families and friends who break up or don’t talk to each other because of an unresolved issue. Sometimes, all it takes to reconcile is a contrite heart and an honest conversation. It’s worth the effort to mend a relationship with our fellow brother or sister, not only because it brings the two of us closer together, but because it brings us all closer to God.
So let’s act as barriers and an extra set of eyes to help keep our neighbors from straying too far from the path. Help others to see the error of their way and forgive those who hurt us. Just think how much easier our journey would be if we all helped each other.
