The 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing are now history.  The American athletes did well, winning more medals overall than any other nation.  Of course, that means there were lots of victories.  But as it is with most things in life, with the good comes the not so good.  Thus, while some were thrilled by their victory- - others were agonizing in their defeat.

Sounds pretty typical of everyday living, does it not?  No doubt, that is why Paul often made analogies of our spiritual journey with sporting events (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).  In just about any sport there are valuable lessons to be learned.  The following is a good illustration of what I mean.

Americans are usually considered among the favorites in most track and field events; this year was no exception for the men and the women.  But did you hear what happened in the preliminaries of the 400-meter relays?  The men’s team was running well, but then dropped the baton in one of the exchanges causing them to not even qualify for the medal run.  If that was not disappointing enough, the women’s team did the same thing, also knocking them out of contention for a medal.

Interestingly enough, it was not the lack of speed or ability that took away the prize, but the inability to pass the baton from one runner to another.  As I watched and pondered what happened it occurred to me that a valuable spiritual lesson can be gleaned here also; namely, the importance of passing on the “baton of faith.”

God has always expected us to pass along His will from one generation to the next.  For example, in Deuteronomy 6:5f Israel was told: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength.  And these words I command you today shall be in your heart.”  Then He adds, “You shall teach them diligently to your children….”

Thus, as parents, grandparents and just older people to younger, we have an awesome responsibility of “passing the baton.”  Let us do so with all diligence, for there is much to be gained- - or lost.