Ask any experienced aviator, and he will tell you all about the walkaround.

Before getting in the cockpit to fly, a pilot will literally walk around his plane inspecting it to make sure it is safe to fly. After all, he is about to trust his life to this machine at high altitudes and high speeds, so reason compels him to make sure everything is as right as it can be.

What is he looking for? He will look for surface panels that are damaged or out of place, rivets or fasteners that are loose or compromised, leaks in systems like hydraulics, coolant, oil, cracked or damaged lenses over external lights, tire tread and amp; integrity and anything and everything that could possibly impact the safety of this particular flight. They do it before every flight rather than risk overlooking something that could prove disastrous if ignored.

Heads up for the spiritual application! (because, hey, it’s a bulletin article)

God calls us to do walk arounds as well. Hear what Jesus’ apostles write about this (emphasis mine):

“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you – unless indeed you fail the test.” 2nd Corinthians 13:5

“Therefore brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” 2nd Peter 1:11-12

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1st John 3:2-3

Examine your faith! Be diligent to make your salvation certain! Purify what needs purifying so you can “Mount up with wings like eagles” as Isaiah wrote! 

Otherwise, you could crash…… and burn.

How about that walkaround?