Higher Ground

I recently delivered a sermon on the Christian life in comparison to a race. The Panhellenic Games of ancient Greece were a series of four sporting and religious festivals and competitions. One of these festivals was the Isthmian Games celebrated in Corinth in which one of the main events was the footrace. A runner would carry a torch for a short distance before passing it to a teammate, who would then run with it until they reach their destination. The phrase "passing the torch" is most likely referring to that situation.

Today, “passing the torch” is used in various contexts, and it implies that someone is relinquishing their responsibility to someone else who will take over and continue where they left off. It is truly unfortunate, but this is exactly what many in the faith understand and have done!

“I have done my duty.” Sound familiar? We should ask a dear saint by the name of William R. Hunt what passing the torch truly means. He is still sharing the gospel at almost 93 years of age!

Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Our duty doesn’t end with age or past service. Paul says: Declare the gospel. So keep carrying the torch!