Passing the Torch #1 The Flame
Author: Chrissy S.
13 August 2004

     Perhaps you’ve had the chance to see the Olympic torch pass through your city. Or maybe you’ve heard from someone who has had the privilege to carry the torch. On Jay Leno the other night, Tom Cruise talked about running with the torch earlier this summer. He mentioned the different guidelines on speed, attire, etc. Ever notice how torchbearers seem to be running in a weird, slow-mo style? Simply stated, the flame from Athens cannot go out (and media needs to be able to follow easily). Bodyguards are always close at hand.
     A simple statement paired with a profound challenge: The torch cannot be passed without a flame. So, let me ask, do you have the flame? And if so, how do you know you have the flame?
     “ Then Jesus came and said to them “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). The flame from Heaven is the redeeming love of the gospel. The flame is the message of Jesus, dying a gruesome death on the cross that we, unworthy, sinners, may live (and not that we may just live, but live to the fullest in an eternal relationship with the Father God). The flame is a freedom in Christ and a new life in the Spirit. The flame is faith.
     Having the flame means being alive in the Spirit. We’re talking to God continuously in prayer, reading Scripture and meditating upon it. We are worshipping and expressing adoration to God. We are finding ourselves in fellowship with other believers who are encouraging and challenging us (and us to them) to grow in Christ. Doing these, we are remaining in Christ, in the trinity, and through which we are producing fruits. For in John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” What are some of the fruits? Galatians 5:22-23 lists, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Producing Spiritual goodness needs to be an all around lifestyle that proclaims to others, “Here is the presence of God at work in me (remaining in me), as He is across the globe.” Is that your life, is that your flame?
     Keep in mind that when we are talking about torches, we want a flame that is burning aggressively. Is yours? A weak flame can easily be snuffed out by the temptations of the devil. A weak flame will have trouble sharing/producing another flame in others; a weak flame will have trouble lighting the way to God for others. If we want to nurture our flames, we wouldn’t throw dirt or water on it. Likewise, we need to rid ourselves of that which threaten the flame burning in us. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Jesus, after going the extent to tell us to cut off that which is causing you to sin, gives us these words in Mark 9:43b (NIV), “It is better to for you to enter life maimed than with two hands go into hell, where the fire never goes out.” Whatever it is in your life that threatens your flame, get rid of it. Romans 7:17b-18 (NIV) relates to our struggles with cutting sin out and doing good when Paul writes, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do- this is what I keep doing.” Good news, in the end of the Great Commission, when the torch was passed to us by Christ, He promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt.26:20b NIV). Jesus is strength is present in our lives that we may overcome the darkness, shine a light and pass the torch to others.
Time to Journal It: We can’t be lazy or content with a half-life in Jesus. So it’s time for you and God to talk seriously about what’s been stated. For serious change, serious growth and serious blessing. Ponder this:
     Do you have the flame? How do you know you have the flame; how evident is the flame in your life? How strong is your flame? What is holding you back from having an aggressive burn? Take the fruits above one by one, which do you have ripe in your life? Which are you lacking? Pick one to work on this week and ask God to give you situations to practice it in. What needs to be removed from your life, that your flame may not be threatened? Give to God, making only the commitments you are ready to commit to.

   - Chrissy S. <ChrissyS@teenz4theLord.com>

   "Passing the Torch #1 The Flame", Copyright © 2004 Chrissy S., All Rights Reserved.