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Get Set

April 15, 2025
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Preparing to Pass the Baton

by Clay Gill

As we continue this year’s theme, “Pass the Baton,” we turn our focus to the next crucial step in the race: “Get Set.” In the familiar phrase, “Ready, Get Set, Go,” we often rush to the final step—going. However, any seasoned runner knows that before the race begins, proper preparation is essential. To successfully pass the baton of faith, we must first get set—mentally, physically, and spiritually—ensuring that we are firmly positioned to run the race with endurance.

The race of faith requires a mind that is disciplined and focused on the goal. The Apostle Paul instructs us in Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” A renewed mind is one that is saturated in Scripture, trained to think Biblically, and focused on Christ rather than the distractions of the world. If we are to be effective in running this race and ultimately passing the baton of faith to others, we must first ensure that our minds are prepared. This means taking every thought captive and aligning it with the truth of God’s Word. It means guarding against distractions that pull us away from our purpose, whether they be worldly influences, personal struggles, or doubts that creep into our thinking. Above all, it means fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and allowing His truth to guide every step we take.

The Christian life is often compared to a race, requiring spiritual endurance and perseverance. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Just as an athlete conditions his body for competition, we must prepare ourselves physically to run well. This does not mean merely tending to our physical health, though that is important, but rather ensuring that we are removing anything that hinders our ability to run effectively. If we are burdened by sin, distractions, or even an unbalanced use of our time and resources, we will find ourselves struggling to keep pace in the race set before us. We must develop discipline in every area of our lives, making sure that our time, energy, and priorities align with our calling. Strength and endurance are built through consistency, and as we serve, pray, and practice spiritual discipline, we will find that our ability to run well increases.

Ultimately, our ability to run well and pass the baton of faith depends on our spiritual preparation. We must be firmly grounded in Christ, standing on His Word, and abiding in Him daily. Ephesians 6:10-11 exhorts us: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Spiritual preparation is not optional; it is essential. If we neglect our time in God’s Word, if we fail to maintain a steady prayer life, and if we do not actively equip ourselves with the armor of God, we will find ourselves ill-prepared for the challenges that come with running this race. We must spend time daily in God’s Word, allowing it to shape our character and decisions. We must remain steadfast in prayer, seeking strength and guidance from the Lord, knowing that without Him, we can do nothing. We must equip ourselves with the armor of God so that when trials arise, we are ready to stand firm in faith rather than faltering under pressure.

As we embark on this quarter’s activities, let us take this time to prepare ourselves to run well. The baton of faith is too important to fumble, and the race is too critical to approach half-heartedly. Are you getting set? Are you positioning yourself to be ready when the opportunity comes to pass on the faith to those around you? This is not a race we can afford to take lightly. Let this be a time of spiritual conditioning, renewal, and commitment as we prepare not just to run, but to finish well and pass the baton of faith to the next generation. Let us get set— with minds renewed, bodies disciplined, and spirits strengthened in the Lord!

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