When the Ship Goes Down What will You be Doing?

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

In the book titled, The Band That Played On, the book asks the question, "Why did the Titanic's band keep playing, while the ship went down?" It's a good question. Since the band had been contracted by a talent agency and was not employed by the Titanic's owners, even the doomed ship's captain couldn't have ordered them to make music to calm troubled hearts.

So, why did they keep playing? Why didn't they try to save their lives?

After extensive research the author concludes the band acted heroically because of the Christian character of the band's leader: Wallace Hartley. Mr. Hartley was a faithful church attendee who had recently become engaged to a Christian girl. They were to be married after he had made a number of Atlantic crossings on the Titanic.

Sometime before, when one of his friends had asked him, "What would you do if you were ever on a ship which was sinking?" Mr. Hartley had replied, "I don't think I would do better than play 'Oh God Our Help in Ages Past' or 'Nearer, My God, to Thee'."

In all likelihood, when Mr. Hartley found the ship was going down, he called together his fellow musicians and encouraged them to begin their concert. The Christian songs they played that night brought peace to the dying and hope to those who survived.

For doing what he did, I would call Wallace Hartley  a hero of faith.

You probably are a hero too. I say that because many Christians don't know how they are going to act, how their faith will show itself, until the time of testing comes.

It is then by the power of the Holy Spirit that they can face those trials and make a witness that will touch others. That's what Wallace Hartley did. It's what you will probably do too. To that end, I encourage you to think about how, at special times and circumstances, your words and actions might glorify the Savior, who gave His life to win your salvation.

Dear Lord, use our words and actions to show those that need You who are lost and frightened toward the Savior. We thank You for the peace, forgiveness and salvation You have given to each of us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.