OUR
POINT OF NO RETURN

Topics: Christians; Commitment; Dedication; Faith; Faithfulness; Loyalty; Self-denial; Submission; Surrender; Tenacity

References: Matthew 10:37–39; 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23

If you were inside the cockpit of an airplane just before liftoff, you would hear the copilot or captain call out, “V1,” which means the “point of no return.”

As the airplane accelerates toward the end of the runway, the pilot must decide if the plane is moving fast enough for a safe takeoff. This speed must be determined preflight based on several factors, including the air pressure, temperature, speed of the wind, and weight of the aircraft.

The pilot holds the throttle as the plane approaches the V1 speed so that the takeoff can be aborted if something goes wrong. However, after V1 the plane must take off.

As Christians, we also have a V1 commitment. Once we have placed our faith in Christ alone, we have reached the point of no return. We need to adjust our sights, apply full throttle, and take off.

—Mike Silva, Would You Like Fries with That? (Word, 2005)