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“I
have no greater joy thean to hear that my children walk in
truth " (3 Jn 4).
We live in a world
of changes — some for the better and some for the worst. Some
children turn out to be good and obedient but there are others
who become the exact opposite. Far too many a mother or father
has wept bitterly over a wayward son or daughter. Sometimes
words are not adequate to describe the depth of pain and
sorrow that adds to a broken heart. On the other hand, when
children turn out right, imagine the thrill of joy the parents
experience. Instead of flowing tears of grief, tears of
inexpressible joy are shed. When our children succeed in life,
it brings to us a satisfaction which is unusually sweet. Such
are the burdens and joys of parenthood.
The Apostle John
spoke of such a joy. He was speaking as a spiritual father.
There is a close similarity between how a spiritual father
feels for his spiritual children and how a natural Christian
father or mother feels for their children. John revealed the
heart of a good spiritual father (shepherd). His desire was to
see them follow the Lord fully. Any shepherd who does not know
or care how God’s people are walking is neither worthy of the
title nor worth following. God has entrusted him His dear
lambs to feed, nurture, protect and develop. When one goes
astray, he must be troubled. When one found intimacy with God
in a fresh and living way, he must be overjoyed. This is the
kind of pastoral concern which is exhibited by the apostle
John.
The apostle has
indicated clearly that his joy is to hear that his spiritual
children walk in truth. For a shepherd, there can be no
greater fulfillment and joy than to see lives transformed and
changed for Jesus. Which good shepherd does not desire his
sheep to be in good shape? And which sheep does not desire
such a good shepherd?
However, the role
of a shepherd is not limited to the pastor or the spiritual
leaders of the church. Every family has a shepherd at home —
the father; if no father, then the mother. There are some
parents whose minds and hearts are so conformed to the things
of this world that the joy which they may have over their
children is anything but the truth. Unless the parents walk in
truth, they have no desire for their children to walk in
truth. There are many who are more concerned with grades in
school than whether their children’s minds are renewed
spiritually. If our children lose the crown of eternal life,
there will be no consolation even if they have won high
honours in the academic world. They may achieve every good
success in secular business, making money by the truckload,
but they will not be able to spend one dollar in hell. Yet
there are parents who are more concerned with these earthly
things than with the heavenly things that really count. Our
children have more than just a physical body — they have a
living soul.
To all Christian
parents, do you desire your children to walk in truth? Are you
more than happy to hear your children walk in truth? We
know that whatever our children accomplish in this life can
never be compared with the spiritual accomplishment for Jesus.
When we know their souls are eternally secured and constantly
connected with Jesus, this thought can bring such an
immeasurable joy to our hearts.
However walking in truth is more
than just knowing the truth. To know the truth is very good.
Indeed, this is where we all must start. But we must never
stop there. We must move from knowing the truth to keep
walking in truth. To know the truth is
good, but to walk in truth is far better. Of what truth
is John speaking? First, he was speaking of the truth of God
pertaining to salvation. Unless that truth is applied to our
children’s lives, all else will be in vain. Second, he is also
speaking of the truth of God pertaining to righteous living.
To be found walking in truth means that we live our
lives in such a way that is pleasing to the One who is called
the Way, the Truth, and the Life. What Christian parent would
not be overwhelmed by joy to see their children living this
way? And to hear of them living this way is even
better. Our children may act a certain way around us and a
different way when we are not around. But, to hear that
they walk in truth even when we are not around is a
joyful thing indeed. There is no greater joy than this. How
true, is it not? May God help us to walk in truth. Amen.
Encouragement
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