Passing the Torch

Suggested Reading:
Galatians 2:11-17

Key Verse:

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
(Galatians 2:17, NIV)

My great-grandfather was an incredible man of faith. He and my great-grandmother willingly sacrificed their time and resources to share with others the good news of the Gospel. In doing so, they were responding to the love that Christ had shown them. Jesus had sacrificed His life so that they could have eternal life. My great-grandparents couldn't wait to share that love with others.

When my great-grandpa passed away, his widow reminded my family that it was now our turn to "carry the torch." It was our responsibility to be a light to the world, and share the gospel with others. By doing so, we were to be a living tribute to my great-grandpa's legacy. The way we could honor him best in his death, was to carry on the traditions of faith he had taught us throughout his life.

Likewise, Christians are called to carry the torch that Christ passed to us. When He extended grace to us, he gave us freedom from our sins. We who have experienced the forgiveness that brings so much joy, have a responsibility to share that with others. We need to remind people that being good is not good enough. The only way to be in God's good favor is to believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind.

More than just telling people about Jesus, we must live in such a way that our actions and our words are aligned. When we live humbly in response to God's love, we demonstrate that we recognize the magnitude of being forgiven.

Reflecting Pool:

How has being forgiven prompted you to share the good news with others?

Is your life consistent with that of someone who is thankful for God's forgiveness?

What aspects of your faith would you like to see passed as a torch to the next generation?