Last
week I talked with a Navy wife. I’ll call her Julie. We were watching the elite
Air Force Thunderbirds practice their incredible aerial maneuvers for the
Academy’s upcoming graduation. It was awesome!
After
some small talk, Julie told me about a friend whose Navy husband also became an
elite pilot with the Navy’s Blue Angels. And not just an elite pilot, but the lead
pilot!
A
stellar achievement certainly, but Julie added that it also took its toll on
her friend’s family. Qualifying to become a Blue Angel pilot took time and
family sacrifice. In addition, the Blue Angels and their families are treated
like royalty everywhere they go. Sounds awesome, but it grew old for them.
Then
Julie said it. “You know, my friend told me that her husband wears Blue Angel
underwear too!”
Initially
I laughed. Then I thought “Oh no!” because I immediately understood the
downside. Too many of those in the Navy or other military service branches take
on their job or position as their whole identity or persona—right down to their
undies. They can bring their job as pilot or their position as Colonel into
their home and relate to their wife that way. Or to their children. Or to their
friends.
But
is that what God wants? Hardly.
Sadly,
this Blue Angel pilot and his wife eventually divorced. A huge factor likely
was his inability to separate his personal identity from his position.
It’s
easy to do. I have at times. But beware—it can easily inflame our pride and cause
multiple problems. Big ones.
Have
you witnessed this with some men and women in ministry positions? I have. Though
these “leaders” may even accomplish much, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is often
absent.
Second
Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that we who are born again are new creations in
Christ! Therefore, our identity is now first and foremost in Christ. We are His—forgiven, cleansed, redeemed, and sealed in Christ
with eternal life!
As we
are secure in Christ, and humbly bow our knee to Him, our “position” or job is
simply that, a position or a job. Then we are free to get rid of our "Blue Angel undies" and truly serve and bless others.
