The following tale has been around for many years. It’s different variations date as far back as 1931. Yet, no one seems to know its origin, or if it is even an actual account. I like the most recent version.
Actual radio transcript of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995.
Americans: “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision. Repeat. Divert your course 15 degrees to the north.”
Canadians: “Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
Americans: “This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course!”
Canadians: “No. I say again, you must divert YOUR course.”
Americans: “THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES TO THE NORTH IMMEDIATELY. THAT’S ONE-FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.”
Canadians: “This is a lighthouse! Your call!”
The story of the conversation between the self-important aircraft carrier captain and the crew of the lighthouse depicts a significant principle: It’s important to know who you think you are. It’s more important to know who you really are.
Here’s a question : Who do you think you are in Christ Jesus?
The more important question is: Who are you really in Christ Jesus? Do you know? And if so, how would you explain it to someone else. On what are you basing your relationship with Christ Jesus? It is absolutely vital to be in sync with how Jesus sees you. Eternity rests on it.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Who do you think you are?
And are you really who you think you are?