The Story: Passing on the Baton
Chapter 30 of The Story along with many of the books in the New Testament record the dynamic life and deep struggles of Paul as he sought to carry out his mission from God. He is shipwrecked, beaten, thrown in jail, mauled by angry crowds and much much more.
Despite all of this, he never lost sight of the message that he believed God wanted him to share with others. The message of God’s love and forgiveness as demonstrated by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul is not only getting old but he is in prison and his chances of being a free man for again are very slim. He has to think forwards and secure the leadership of the church.
Whoever we are there comes a time in our lives when retirement, either due to old age or illness, looms. It is before, or as this time approaches, that we need to train up a new generation. The life knowledge and skills that we have accrued is too important to go to waste.
So who are you investing in? Who are you mentoring? If the answer is no one then can I urge you, whatever your age, to find someone and involve yourselves in their life. Help them to reach their potential.
Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar writes:
The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.
What are a terrible waste, I hope that will not be said of you.
