Pass It On
Ken Keller
Bible Study Leader
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” -2 Timothy 2:1-2
As a freshman in high school, I learned an invaluable lesson that would not fully impact me until much later in my life. Living in a small farming community in rural North Dakota, classes were small and everyone knew everyone else. There were only twelve boys in my class and ten were on the track team. I was not a good runner, but I joined the team anyway because I wanted to be with my friends. Since I was never fast enough to individually win a race, the coach talked me into running in the 440-yard relay race.
I was too naïve to understand his logic. He had three other good sprinters, so he reasoned we could still win even with me starting the race. I told him I could not run my 110-yard leg fast enough to win. He looked at me and smiled. “You don’t have to win the race. Since you will start the relay, what I expect from you is just two things. “You run your leg as hard and fast as you can. Then you pass the baton on to the next guy. Winning the race is not your responsibility.”
As a church dedicated to the process of discipleship, the wisdom of this remarkable lesson should resonate with all of us. Each of us is individually gifted (Eph. 4:11-12) and also is a part of the collective Highlands church body (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27). We have also received God’s gift of faith in Jesus Christ (Jude 3) and we know that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1Timothy 2:4). So, it should be clear that Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) applies to all of us, collectively and individually.
For me it is really good news that God does not expect me to win the “discipleship race” by converting others or making new Christians. We know that to be the job of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8-11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7) We don’t have to win the race; the Holy Spirit is the one that ultimately triumphs. Our job is to share the Gospel with others and in so doing, facilitate transformation in their lives (Romans 12:2), that they in turn, will want to share with others.
How do we do that? We understand that God has already equipped us with enough strength to begin the discipleship race. (Judges 6:14) We exemplify Christ-like behavior in our own lives, witness to others, share our testimony and teach the Word of God. We model an example that others would want to imitate because they see something in us that they want for themselves. When we find these faithful men and women, they will reach for the baton and then we will be able to “Pass It On.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, to you be all glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for your written Word that guides us daily in our walk with you and also for your living Word, your son Jesus, who provides the means by which we can live with you forever in eternity. Almighty God, sovereign King of the Universe, may we follow your will to witness to others about Jesus and to share the Gospel with those you place before us. Holy Spirit, give us wisdom to discern these divine appointments as opportunities to further the kingdom of God. As always Father, we ask in the name of your son Jesus, according to your will.