"Hand-Me-Downs"

 

“Hand-Me-Downs”

 

In the mid-20^th century popular Youth Evangelist Don Lonie traveled widely speaking in high school assemblies, teen rallies, churches and on military bases bringing God’s message of hope to young people. He used humor, irony and Scripture to communicate with high schoolers and others in ways they could understand. One story he told was that as the youngest of six siblings he got a lot of “hand-me-downs” which he didn’t appreciate because, in his words, “The other five were girls!” That must have been quite a sight!

“Hand-me-downs” refers to items, primarily clothing, received from older siblings, cousins and friends which they’d grown out of. As the older brother things I could no longer wear were passed down to my brother and from there (if they weren’t threadbare) to others. Some churches and community groups collect clothing as well as toys and other articles to exchange with each other. In many places thrift stores recycle donations to support social causes and home yard sales help dispose of unwanted and unneeded doodads. As the old saying reminds us, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

I’d never thought about my faith as a “hand-me-down” but recently I realized that Scripture encourages me to “hand it down” to others. For example….

*”Always be ready with a reply for anyone who calls you to account for the hope you cherish….” (1 Peter 3:15, Moffatt).

*”Everything that you have heard me (i.e. Paul) teach in public you should in turn entrust to reliable (people), who will be able to pass it on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:2, PH).

*All of you set free by God, tell the world!” (Psalm 107:2, TM).

*”Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” (Isaiah 12:4).

(Emphasis added throughout.)

We’re to hand our faith down locally through our witness and world-wide as we participate in and support missions work. But our “hand-me-down” faith is to begin at home with our children and grandchildren. In Deuteronomy 6:7 we’re told to “Impress (God’s commandments) on (your) children.” by ”(Pointing) our kids in the right direction –when they are old they won’t be lost.” (Proverbs 22:6, TM). Many of us are praying for our next generations to walk in or return to God’s ways—let’s never stop! God’s promises are sure and He’ll deliver.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan