If you are a missionary often traveling on airlines to and from the field, then you might find yourself cheering for United Airline’s new rule!
If you have ever found yourself sitting on a plane next to a passenger watching the news, listening to voice messages, or even playing audiobooks without earphones then you might relate to the importance of what United Airlines is doing. When fellow passengers listen to audio without earphones, it makes it difficult for others to sleep, read, or enjoy their own entertainment systems.
This is why I was personally happy when I heard that United Airlines just announced their new rules and policies, which now require all passengers to either wear headphones or be kicked off the plane.
I know that many of my friends will attack me for not being very patient, tolerant, or having the biblical traits of Christian charity and they may be right, but in the spirit of Christian charity, United Airlines does offer free earbuds to those who forget theirs.
Not all Christians will agree with me. Even my dear Chinese brother, Brother Yun will most likely not agree with me on this matter. I often travel with Brother Yun, also known as the Heavenly Man, and few people listen to audio files blasting from their phones without earphones on airplanes as much as he does.
I have often hinted to him to not listen to the audio files aloud around other passengers by handing him my own earphones, but he just smiles at me and shakes his head – kindly refusing them. I feel bad for those sitting around us and can sense the ire of fellow passengers, but also know that Brother Yun loves community and simply wants everyone to feel included.
United Airlines however, has given me the perfect excuse! The next time I travel with Brother Yun, I can simply share with him that he will need to wear earphones or we risk being banned by the airline for life. It’s the rule! Or at least it will be soon…
