During my school days, getting a “dare” before playmates was a challenge that must be met to keep one’s honor. Twice so if it were a “double dare!”

Witnesses held enormous sway. There was no quibbling, no change of heart, no backing out with witnesses present. In fact, it was far better to face the dishonor of not accepting the challenge than to accept but not do it.

No one ever presented a beneficial dare, but always a detrimental or dangerous one. That’s why a crowd was important to urge the hapless dare-doer on. There was never a challenge to do something pleasing that would have been done anyway.

If only my childhood friends were of a mind and heart to urge each other on to endeavors that were to our best interest, whether physical, educational, or even eternal.

How much more eagerly should I seize the divine “double dare” before many witnesses that I encounter in 1 Timothy 6:12: “Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witness.”

In rising to God’s challenge and deciding to remain faithful to Him, He will bless me with life eternal!