Our son and family from Oregon were here last week. The many things we  packed into the week included, of course, a couple sessions on the tennis court,  for our annual mixed doubles competition. Now, however, our grandson is 7 and  has had some tennis lessons, so wants to participate. On Monday nights we hold a  free Tennis Clinic here on our new community courts so Grant helped me teach  while Luke got to take a lesson. Later in the week when we were playing our  doubles match we sent Luke and his little sister, Lacey (who will be 5 in  September) on an adjoining court to play. We looked over and here was Luke  giving Lacey a tennis lesson, including racquet grip, how to stand and how to  prepare to hit the ball. Oh for a video camera at the time. Lacey was finally  successful in getting her first ball over the net and she screamed in  excitement, much like a few days earlier when she caught her first fish (the  subject of the previous “Wisdom of the Week.”)

I was  reminded of what Paul wrote in the second letter to his understudy,  Timothy:  “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in  Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of  many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others  also” (II Tim. 2:1,2).  He laid down the principle of passing on  what we learn to others who will do the same.  That was not a  principle unique to just the New Testament. In the book of Psalms we read  this: “For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law  in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their  children. That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be  born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put  their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His  commandments” (Psa. 78:5-7). We are obviously especially to pass on our  faith and our learning from God’s Word to our own family. But it shouldn’t  stop there. As we take in and grow in the knowledge of Scripture we  should also be giving out. We should be a channel through which God’s Word  flows, not a reservoir in which it is stored. If we just sit and soak we sour.  To stay fresh in our Christian walk, we need to be giving out as well as taking  in. God blesses us that we might be a blessing.

When I got  started coaching tennis about 25 years ago, I didn’t really know a lot about the  game. I had played at tennis throughout high school and a bit in college, but  never really had any formal instruction, so as I taught tennis, I had to be  learning along with the students.  I continue to do so. I have found the  same is true in my Christian life.  When I started teaching Bible studies  some 40 years ago, I realized how little I really knew. Folks would ask  questions I couldn’t answer so it forced me to dig and come up with answers. It  was a great motivation to growth, and has continued to be all these years.   It seems we grow most when we start teaching others, and it is never too soon or  too late to get started.  Just work hard to keep growing right along with  those you teach. Most of the time you will learn lots more than they do.

Just think of  what would have happened to Christianity if, at some point, folks had stopped  sharing what they were learning. Where would we be? What will happen to future  generations (if the Lord tarries His return) if we are not faithful in passing  on our faith and knowledge of Christ and His Word? Well, take a look at the  spiritual condition of Europe today and you get a picture. That appears to  be where our nation is also headed if we who know Christ don’t get with it and  starting “passing on” our faith and our knowledge of God’s Word.  As  long as God leaves us here, we should continue to share the gospel and to help  others grow in their faith. There is a vast amount of work to do. The job will  never be done until eternity begins.  Do you have others with  whom you are sharing and to whom you are teaching God’s Word?  If not,  I would challenge you to do so. It will really help your spiritual growth and  you will be excited about your Christianity.

Forever His,

Pastor Dave