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By Rev Don Rivers
Things in life change, just as the seasons change so it goes with life. Change is a constant. In New England they say “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” If change is inevitable and time marches on, what are we doing to insure we influence the direction of the future? We need to act in a way that will have a lasting effect on tomorrow. Next! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Remember the old days? I am sure we all have stories of events, races, locked in our memory forever. We can recall them like they were yesterday. What about favorite drivers? We all have certain ones that for one reason or another we remember; memories that are burned into our minds forever.
How about heroes? There are people we look up to, separate them from others in our lives, as we seek to use their lives as motivation for ours. Do you have some heroes in your life? Do you look up to someone and desire to be like them?
I think we all do in one form or another. Sometimes it can take over our lives and everything we do revolves around them. It becomes an act of worship. We need to be careful that we don’t let it get to that point; God is the only one worthy of worship.
I got on this subject because of something that happened at the track; a driver received burns in a fire. He will recover but the fact remains he may not have had to suffer the injury if he had taken the right safety precautions; something as simple as wearing fireproof underwear. How are we influencing Generation Next with our actions?
As I reflected on this one of our chaplains shared some thoughts God placed on their heart about the subject. Our chaplains have a vested interest in Generation Next. Here are some thoughts.
“This topic has been heavy on my heart for some time and God outlined it more clearly this past week. Before I begin, please understand that there is no condemnation or judgment with this message. I’m just sharing my heart.
If you were given the choice to wear a helmet while racing – what would you do? If you were given the choice to wear a fire suit while racing what would you do? I’m sure you’re all saying “of course I would”. Well, unfortunately we are given the choice to wear fireproof underwear. How many of you wear them?
Some of you have gone from go-karts with about a quart of fuel to the midgets with up to 21 gallons of methanol and still don’t wear fireproof underwear. We need to ask ourselves why we don’t wear them and then decide if our answer is a good enough reason not to wear them. Believe me, I’ve heard many reasons and not one of them makes any sense to me.
Can you tell your loved ones that you took every precaution necessary to protect yourself from harm? What example are we setting for the next generation; for our own children?
The example we set for our children who race is they were taught to wear them even in the go-karts. Their father is a driver and always wore them. We NEVER compromised safety. Our kids are not allowed to get into a racecar without them. It’s our duty as parents and role models. No excuses – no exceptions!
When you are on fire, seconds count and if the fireproof underwear allows you a few more seconds, why wouldn’t you wear them?
None of us are invincible – don’t think it can’t happen to you. We can walk away from this and choose for ourselves. No condemnation or judgment, just remember there is someone who cares. Listen to the words Peter shares with us about our responsibility to Generation Next.
1Peter 5:2-5; Care for your flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the great shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
In the same way, you younger men (and women) must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for God opposes the proud but favors the humble”
Thank you, a timely message to us about our responsibilities to ourself and those who are watching and following our example.
We all share in the responsibility to set the right example for the next generation. We also have a responsibility to guide those around us in the way that is right, true and honorable. I sometimes look at the example I set and find it necessary to go before God and ask His forgiveness.
If we look at God’s Word we see that Paul cared for and took several young men under his wing. He taught them about God and how to live a life that honors God. One of those men was Timothy. He charged Timothy to keep at it, follow the teachings he had been taught. Show the world the difference Christ can make in your life.
2 Timothy 4:1-5, I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
For me this passage holds special meaning. On the day that I was ordained to the Gospel Ministry; T. Marshall Thompson read this passage to me. He was my mentor, my Paul. He spent his time helping me learn to handle God’s word correctly. He helped me learn how to be bolder for Christ. He encouraged me to run the race in such a way as to win.
A short time after he read this passage to me T. Marshall left this earth to join God in heaven. I will never forget the impression he made on me and the things he taught me. When I am faced with challenges beyond my understanding I think about T. Marshall and what he would tell me to do. He is still with me.
Let me ask a couple of questions; have you taken the time to pass along what you have learned in your life and help someone learn? Have you sought out someone with more experience than you and let them guide you? What have we done to continue the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
There is much we do not know and will not learn unless we let someone teach us. There are many challenges in life that we cannot get through without someone there to encourage us. Take some time and be a teacher, an encourager. Make the effort to ask for help from someone who knows how. The experiences we endure in life are only valuable if we learn from them. Let us make every effort to help and encourage those who follow us, next.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
