Great Joy.

Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Observation: This is natural.

Application: Today one son is celebrating a birthday by getting his first cell phone. An older son is busily working on one of many college application processes. A daughter is off to volleyball practice. At this stage we are most fortunate parents, though it’s still way too early to know what specific challenges might still be ahead. Nevertheless, the writer of 3rd John says that they’re no greater joy than to hear that one’s children are walking in the truth.

Of course, he wasn’t limiting his view to biological children but, rather, to children of the faith. He was thinking, in a way, like a pastor. He wanted the best for those under his spiritual care. He didn’t want them to get caught up in clever schemes and fads and the like. Instead he wanted them to faithfully follow, as best they could, in the truth of Christ. And whenever he heard that they were doing so, that brought him great joy.

I’ve been blessed over the years to see many fine examples (within both my biological and church families) of people following in the liberating truth of Christ. And I must agree with the writer of 3rd John; it brings great joy.

Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for the many fine examples of faith that I have been blessed to know. In Jesus’ name.

(readings today included Jeremiah 50 and 51 and 3rd John 4)