A balloon pilot strives to keep the balloon afloat in the lower atmosphere, just above earth. Ascending or descending as necessary by means of hot air. This hot air causes the balloon to rise in the cooler air of the atmosphere, or allows the hot air to dissipate as the balloon descends towards the ground. The hot air is heated by large propane burners at the bottom of the balloon and this air can be vented out at the top of the balloon as necessary, for lowering the temperature inside the balloon.

The pilot relies upon simple science to pilot his balloon. The balloon’s flight is dependent upon the difference between weight of warmer air inside the balloon verses the cooler air in the atmosphere. Warm air rises above cooler air sending the balloon floating upwards. Cooler air inside the balloon, as the warmer air escapes out of the top of the balloon causing the balloon to gently float downward in the atmosphere. The pilot’s jOB is to keep the balloon aloft, ascending or descending as necessary along its flight path. Or gently bringing it down to the ground at the end of the journey.

God’s filling an individual with the Holy Spirit, or spiritual air, could be compared to a balloon pilot filling his balloon with hot air. This “holy hot air” a Christian receives from the Holy Spirit can send us, in His power, aloft over difficult situations we face, and descending down on our knees as necessary, keeping our spiritual atmosphere buoyant, sailing along the narrow path towards our future in eternity. The atmosphere surrounding us would be continually warmed by His infilling spirit, grace and truth, keeping us “in flight” for Him.

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)

If a balloon pilot chose to fill the inside of the balloon entirely with cold air he would never achieve any lift off the ground. If a Christian attempts to live the Christian life by filling himself with powerless religiosity, wishful thinking, rituals, and a works religion, or even a sincere, but human, attempt at working out his Christian life he will never proclaim a true profession of faith, nor rise to a faithful and true dependence in Christ. The Christian life can only be lived by the true indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Any substitutes or “cold air” in our spiritual flight plan will not suffice in thrusting one along the journey towards eternity while living in this world, but instead keep one’s flight stagnant and grounded in the world.

The simple fact is true faith in Jesus Christ always produces spiritual fruit. Faith in Christ always produces the lift in the Christian life. If a person’s “spiritual balloon” never separates from the ground, rising above the chaos of the world, then their faith is misplaced and their profession is in vain. Many profess to know Christ, and they do, but only in their mind, not with saving faith in their heart. True faith in Jesus Christ produces a change in the heart.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

A Christian who is living this “sold out life” in his heart is not merely living a social gospel or a numbered profession in a mega church but is living daily, hourly, and by minute, sacrificing this temporary life for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ, soaring upward and onward, as a hot air balloon in flight, while sojourning here in this earthly life.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ( Romans 12:1-2)

For Further Contemplation:
Are you soaring for Jesus Christ while living in this world or does your flight need the strength and perseverance of holy wings?