If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

(Col. 3:1–2 NIV).

It is said that German controllers at Frankfurt Airport expect pilots to know exactly where their gate is and how to get there without much guidance from the tower. One famous exchange reportedly took place between the control tower and a British Airways 747, radio call Speedbird 206, after landing.

Speedbird 206 radioed: “Good morning Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of the runway.”  Ground responded, “Guten Morgen, taxi to your gate.”

The 747 pulled onto the main taxiway… and stopped.  With impatience, the controller asked, “Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?”

The pilot replied, “Stand by, ground. I’m looking up gate location now.”  The controller asked, “Speedbird 206, have you never flown to Frankfurt before?”

“Yes, in 1944. But I didn’t stop.”

Beyond the humor lies a truth: things often look very different from the ground than they do from the air. From thousands of feet up, the airport layout makes sense.  From the taxiway, it can feel confusing.  Perspective makes all the difference.

That raises a important spiritual question: Do we tend to look at life from an earthly perspective, or a heavenly one?  When we’re facing challenges, setbacks, or moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to focus on the “ground-level” view: the problems we see, the obstacles we feel, the chaos we can’t control. But Scripture calls us to look higher: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2 NIV).

When we shift our perspective to see life from God’s viewpoint, we recognize that He is in control, that He knows the bigger picture, and that His plan will prevail, even when the path seems unclear. What feels confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming from our “taxiway” view often makes perfect sense from above.

So, if things in your life aren’t looking so good from ground level, take a step back and view them from heaven’s perspective. Trust that God sees the full layout, knows the final destination, and is guiding you safely to your gate.

Prayer: Father, help me to lift my eyes above my immediate problems and see life from your perspective. Give me patience, trust, and peace, knowing that you are in control. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day