The Omega 13 Button

In Galaxy Quest, a movie about Sci-Fi TV Show characters being forced to really live out a dangerous situation in space by Aliens, the characters have to determine what the “Omega 13” button is for.  At some point in the story-line the characters ask some of the shows fans what they think the button is for.  Some said it was a bomb capable of destroying all matter in 13 seconds and others thought that it acted like a time machine sending its user back in time 13 seconds.  So near the end of the movie our star is forced to decide if he can use this button to save the crew’s life, because the bad alien had just walked on to the command deck and started killing everyone.  He decides that it has to be a time machine.  He presses the button and they return in time to when the bad alien is walking on to the deck.  He, needless to say, saves the day.

I think we could all use an Omega 13 button in our lives.  How many times have we said something that was mean to someone and then realized how wrong we were to say it?  All too often we hurt people’s feelings with our words and the damage cannot be undone.  Sometimes our rash words just cause a chain of problems.  Maybe we lied on a test or in a job interview and it came back to haunt us.  Maybe someone was mean to us and we started a rumor about then.  Many times we don’t think far enough out.  We don’t think about what the repercussions would be for our words.  We just don’t think about what harm our words will bring to ourselves and others.

Our Omega 13 button really does exist.  It doesn’t allow us to go back in time and fix a mistake.  It actually can prevent the problem from occurring before it happens, which is really a much better way to handle any situation.  Our Omega 13 button exists with the Holy Spirit being allowed to work with our hearts and minds.  To push that Omega 13 button, we only have to stop and think and pray.  Read James 1: 19 -20.

¹⁹ My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

So next time someone upsets you.  Just slow down and keep quiet.  Take a minute or two to really listen to what they are saying.  Is what they are saying justified?  Are they saying mean things to you, because you have said mean things to them or about them?  If they are trying to get a point across to you, they may be saying it wrong, but it is something you may need to consider.  If they are trying to get revenge on you, then maybe you owe them an apology in the first place for something you did.  Remember you can’t remove something once it has been said.  The feelings your words created are real for the other person and leave scars.  Yes, you can apologize, but the scars will remain.  The truth is, as a Christian, you need to remember who you represent and who is standing right there with you.  Your words should please Jesus, as well.  You are supposed to be bringing His love to others. 

Don’t forget to use your Omega 13 button!  Be quick to hear the other person, slow to speak back to them and slow to get angry.

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