Blue Angel Undies

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.