Passing the Baton

I have watched many relay teams in action and never cease to be amazed at the accuracy and determination necessary for passing the baton from one runner to another.  We are told that good relay teams spend hours just practicing the passing of the baton.  The runners know that dropping it always means losing the race. 

We too, are in a relay race of life.  It will be our turn one day to pass the baton to the next runner.  Therefore, like a member of a good relay team, one must develop effective strategies that will provide an opportunity for success for the one taking the baton.  This takes a lot of determination, commitment and practice.  To drop the baton is to lose the race and this is not an option.  One must take seriously the things important to pass on to the next generation.  It is so easy to take the path of least resistance and leave the next generation unprepared to take the baton and succeed.   

What are some things we want to pass on?  The baton we are carrying may represent simple things like attitude, understanding, moral values, faith in God, or a desire to serve God and others, just to name a few.  Passing the baton of faith is especially important in this generation because there are so many forces working against us, and especially, against our children and grandchildren. 

Therefore, it is important to teach our children that there are boundaries and principles that cannot be crossed. I know this is not a very popular concept.  However, we must, by our example teach them how to say “no” before it is difficult to say no, and never be willing to compromise in order to win!  The story was told about a small boy that packed his bag and told his parents he was running away from home.  After walking around the block three or four times a police officer asked what was going on.  He said, “I’m running away from home.”  Then why are you just walking around the block like this.  “You don’t understand, Sir; I’m not allowed to cross the street.”

While we are in charge of the baton, let us stay focused on winning the race.  Do not allow the baton to be dropped or handed off in an awkward fashion.  The race is won only when the finish line is crossed.  Our responsibility is to carry the baton faithfully, pass it on so the next runner has a chance, and then cheer them on for the win.

“No matter how talented, trustworthy and treasured the leaders of a generation are, the baton has to change hands one day. The old has to give way to the young. Prime time becomes past time in no time.”[1]

1 Cor 9:25-27a “All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”  NLT

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[1] Victor Yap