I’m a track and field coach, so I love it when the summer Olympics come around.  The United State always has a powerhouse track team that typically reserves spots on the podium, especially in the sprints.  We may not always have THE fastest guy in the world, but the depth of our sprinter pool is amazing.  For this reason you would think that no one in the world (save the Jamaicans) could even challenge us in the sprint relay races.  However, we have struggled to even get on the podium in recent years.  Why?  Because our guys have a hard time handing the baton off.  You see… you could have the greatest talents in the world, but if you botch the baton exchange you will ultimately fail.

You know, the same is true in our spiritual lives.  Anyone who ever finds themselves in a position of leadership must learn the concept of passing the baton.  You could have the greatest ministry (be it vocational or lay ministry) ever, but if you don’t pass the baton to the next wave of leaders… that ministry dies or leaves with you.  But this concept does not just apply to those in leadership positions… it applies to everyone who calls themselves a parent.  We have been given the mandate of God to pass the baton of faith to our children.  Now, as any track runner knows, you can’t run that leg of the race for them.  But you can prepare them for it and you can make sure you pass to them the charge and wisdom to run that leg.  As parents, this a crucial element of our calling.  In fact, I would say without hesitation, that passing our faith to them is just as important as keeping them fed and clothed.  How are we doing that?  I must confess I don’t always do a good job.  But my goal is to grow in this area… to pray more with my kids… to use more teachable moments to point them to the cross and allow them to see the great commission lived out in daddy!  It is not an easy job because there are so many things vying for their attention and affection.  It’s tough to train runners because there are so many distractions… the same is true of our passing of the baton of faith to children.  O God, please help me in this very difficult task!  Please remind me often how important this is and I beg of You God to draw my boys to faith in You and I beg of You to use them for your glory!