A long, long time ago, our church youth group was the place to be. When it began, I was too young to go and I couldn’t wait until I was. You see, my Dad had organized it and lead it. My sister was old enough to go and it was sad for me to see the two of them head off to church together. I wanted to be part of it.

The time came and I was old enough to go to Teen Time. And it was just as good as I imagined. Singing, Bible study, games, and refreshments. Yes, youth group was a blast and many lasting friendships began on those Tuesday nights so long ago.

As the years passed, I recall sitting in a small room with 30 young people singing. Remember that I taught myself to play the guitar? Well this was where my talent was unleashed. I would play and my fellow Teen Timers would sing along. We’d sing songs such as “Blind Man,” “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, and “Pass it On.”

These melodies were meaningful to us at the time. They helped mold our beliefs and how we would think. But eventually, each of us would go our own way and would make our own spiritual decisions for our lives.

“Pass it On” was originally written for the musical “Tell it Like it Is.” With lyrics that express God’s love and how it changes lives, it’s no wonder that it has gone on to be a favorite by many. It is an uplifting song that continues to speak God’s message to the world and how we, as Christians, are to share that message with others.

As we experience God’s love, we must share it with others. Remember Jesus’ declaration of the greatest commandment? Love God and second to it is to love others. Loving others includes telling them about God’s love.

Jesus also gave us a commission. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 – NIV)

The Apostle Paul was a great evangelist and he could move crowds to follow God. While we may not be the inspiring preacher that Paul was, we must understand that we too must share God’s message with those we connect with.

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers with these words. “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.” (2 Corinthians 10:15b-16a – NIV)

As our faith grows, we are to share God’s message. That is exactly how the Good News is passed along. We are to pass it on.

So today, take a look at the words to this song. Remember the excitement you felt as you first heard the Gospel, and then, pass it on.

Pass it On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.[i]

You’ll enjoy this version of the song “Pass it On.” Oh the memories!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] Pass it On, Kurt Kaiser, Tell It Like it Is, Ralph Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser, 1969.