PASSING ON THE BATON, NO. 2 - BE MOTIVATED

Men, we are not only raising children, but standard bearers. How easy it is to go through life day after day, just doing the things that are expected of us, and fail to realize that every day our children are being influenced by us for good or for bad.

We are meant to be our children's main mentors, their primary role modelers, teachers, examples, and influencers of all the godly values that are written in God's Word. How sad when fathers of each new generation lack vision and motivation to lift up high before their families the precious values and standards that will build great character and moral values into their children.

The Christian church right now needs motivated and enlightened fathers who will catch the vision to wake up their families to the great treasure chest of all the noble and righteous character values that God has for us to display to the world.

HOW CAN WE BE MORE MOTIVATED?

1. Pray every day for motivation to raise up God's standards and values.

2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the greatest motivational force in the world. Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hosts." Read also Exodus 28:3; 31:3-5; and 35:21, 22.

When God wants anything important accomplished, He first fills people with His Spirit. We see this in the Old and New Testament. Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

The church in general has not in general emphasized this great truth but has put more emphasis on education, Bible School training seminars, dialogue, eloquence, and man's intellect. But someone has well said, "In all thy getting, get unction." Unction means to be anointed and filled with the Spirit.

3. Get alongside other men who are also seeking to be standard bearers. "Iron sharpens iron" Proverbs 27:17 reminds us.

4. Get more and more into God's Word. As we meditate in God's Word the standards of the Lord will be highlighted and our convictions will become stronger. The Holy Spirit will also use the Word to motivate us and make us more willing.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell