Drop Pass

A drop pass is a pass made by a puck carrier who deliberately leaves the puck behind him to be picked up by a trailing teammate. A drop pass is often used in hockey to set up a teammate to attack along a more advantageous line -to give the receiving teammate an advantage against the opponent. Growing in faith is a team effort - each one of us needs someone to instruct us, and those who are able should be investing into those younger in their faith. In Scripture, we are commanded to pass on the instruction of the Lord, to leave it behind for the next generation, so they might be at greater advantage against our opponent and in walking in obedience to Jesus Christ.

Lord Cary, an Archbishop in Canterbury, England, is quoted as saying Christianity is one generation away from extinction - addressing a crisis in Britain of youth disappearing from the church. Those that are mature in their faith should have a passion to pass on the knowledge of God to the next generation. "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come" ( Psalm 71:18). We should look for opportunities to invest in the youth - I believe it will be incredibly rewarding to both the giver and receiver.

A word to us all, but especially the youth - a foolish player is out of position - not ready to receive a pass, and a foolish person is not ready to receive teaching. Proverbs 23:9 says, "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words." The person receiving the drop pass has to be in position to receive it, or else the puck carrier won’t pass the puck. In the same way, one who wants to learn and grow in their faith should get into a position for it. "A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel...Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching" (Proverbs 1:5,8).

Giving that drop pass, or receiving it, can take different forms. I had a pastor who invested in me with 6:30 am coffee meetings every Tuesday for 4 years. I grew very much from his instruction and am very thankful for it. It could be group meetings, it could be through sports, or a parent raising their child in the instruction of the Lord. There may be challenges to relating to those of a different generation, but I believe all are reached through relationships. Make an effort and it will impact them. Whatever form it takes, the aim is the same: pass the puck!

• Who is someone you need to give a ‘drop pass’?
• What does that look like? How will you do it?
• Are you in position for a drop pass? Is your heart in a place to receive instruction?