As of Wednesday night, the United States has accumulated 32 medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the 1988 Olympics, the world assumed that the United States would be victorious in the 400-meter relay. They simply were the best.
The gun sounded and they were off and running. After the last curve, the unthinkable happened. The United States was ahead by 10 meters with no real competition in sight. And then, with victory in their grasp, it happened. They dropped the baton.
The thousands in the stands gasped in disbelief. The United States team - sleek, muscular, and fast as leopards, lost the race. Why? Someone dropped the baton.
Spiritually speaking, many people are not careful and take their eye off the baton. They let it slip from their grasp. They fail to hold on to that which is important in the game of life. The Bible offers many such warnings and admonitions to Christians.
"Hold fast to the word which I preached to you... (1 Corinthians 15:2). In other words, "Don't drop the baton!"
"Test all things; hold fast to what is good... (1 Thessalonians 5:21). In other words, "Don't drop the baton!"
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23). In other words, "Don't drop the baton!".
These exhortations are saying...
Hold on tight to your faith.
Stay focused on your hope.
Sustain your confidence in Christ.
Uphold your values.
Defend your beliefs.
Maintain your integrity.
Affirm your self-worth,
Cling to your Christian virtues.
In other words, "Don't drop the baton!"
The Daily Encourager
Based on an illustration in "Collected Sermons" by King Duncan
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