Sometimes the little things that make us uncomfortable can uncover deeper feelings or issues we didn’t even know we had. Initially, what seems small and insignificant can prompt us to examine what’s really important. If we take time to pause and listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice, these moments can help us identify what truly matters. Let me explain.
Many of you reading this know I spent the last 20 years of my career traveling and working with educators across the country with Kagan Professional Development. Traveling and flying on airplanes became second nature. The nervousness and anxiety I felt in the beginning were replaced with high levels of calmness. Even air turbulence
and poor landings did not phase me. I also became accustomed to the perks as well – early boarding, complimentary upgrades, extra legroom, free baggage fees, and distance from crying babies!
Fast forward a few years, and much has changed. Since retiring from my traveling escapades, my flights have become more infrequent, resulting in a gradual loss of status. Gone are the days of early boarding. Most of the other perks are still available for a price, but I am too cheap to pay for them!
This past month I returned to the Seattle area to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. About a week before leaving, I began checking seats on my flight since I was sitting toward the back of the plane. I planned to move closer to the front once the seat cost was released. Little did I know that this option no longer exists because I don’t have status. Given the flight expense and the fact that I already had to pay for my luggage, I was too stubborn to pay more to move a little closer to the front.
During boarding, I was placed in the general line instead of the priority line. I couldn't help but wonder why this was bothering me. Was it simply an issue of convenience, a matter of habit, or was there something deeper at play? Honestly, I’m not sure I have a clear answer to that question. I imagine it could be a combination of things, but this experience made me stop and reflect on what’s truly important.
It’s wild how certain things we seem to value, whether we’re fully aware of them or not, shape our attitudes, thoughts, and even our actions. Like I said at the beginning, sometimes it’s the little things. Before you accuse me of overthinking, which I own 100%, I want you to personalize this for all readers.
What is it for you? To what “status” have you become accustomed? For example, if you're an experienced secondary teacher, you might be used to teaching advanced classes. If you're an athletic coach, you might be frequently recognized and appreciated by the community. As an administrator, you might have earned the respect of most parents. Sometimes, our status might be something smaller, like expecting coffee to be made when we arrive at school and feeling frustrated when it isn't. Often we don’t realize what we’ve come to expect in terms of status until something that’s a benefit is suddenly taken away.
As I was standing in the waiting area at the gate, I asked the Lord to reveal the perks in my life that I had come to expect. As I pondered the matter, a couple of distinct thoughts began to emerge – ideas related to the issues of status and value. Everyone holds a certain level of status, whether as a parent, spouse, teacher, administrator, or staff developer. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having status, it’s important to be cautious as it can easily become intertwined with our identity. Why? Because identity is often associated with worth.
Our world today operates on the assumption that higher status equates to greater worth. For instance, company presidents are considered to have more value than their employees, school administrators have more importance than teachers, and teachers are viewed as more valuable than support staff. While we know this isn't true, we often fall into the trap of identifying our self-worth with our status. As a result, we lose sight of what truly matters and may feel disenfranchised when we find ourselves sitting at the back of a plane with crying babies.
Let’s get clear on this identity issue. Believers in Christ who understand what the Bible says about identity can embrace a God-centered perspective that gives purpose, joy, and peace. Perks need not monopolize our thoughts or actions. Are perks nice? Sure! However, when stripped away, we are left with eyes to see what’s really important. The next time you feel deprived of something you deserve or feel devalued by someone else, remember these important truths.
You are created in the image of God.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).
You are redeemed by Jesus Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. You also know that no one is “better” than anyone else. Every life has worth and value in the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).
You are adopted as God’s child.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
You are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him (Romans 8:9).
Our true identity is in Christ, not in worldly achievements, human relationships, career choices, or social status. Viewing life’s circumstances through the lens of our identity in Christ gives us a fresh perspective on the goodness of God all around us.
As my plane took off that day for Seattle, I experienced some new perks. I noticed how much legroom I had. I got to know a sweet couple relocating to the Pacific Northwest. I watched how a mom comforted her child and was reminded of my precious granddaughters. While glancing at the clouds through the airplane window, I even pondered what life will be like when Jesus returns and all will be made right. I’m pretty sure where I sat on a plane won’t matter.
O dear friend, where is your focus today? What is occupying your thoughts? Don’t miss out on what God has for you today. Remember what’s really important.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
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