Scripture:

3 John 4
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
NASU


Thoughts:

Perhaps the only joy that can rival leading someone to Christ, is to see a person that you've helped is still walking with God, years later.  This is the sense in which the Apostle John is using the term "children."  These are people whom he had a personal hand in their salvation and/or growth in Christ.  John may have even found their continued faithfulness to be a greater joy than when they were converted, or that the two were equal.  It reminds me of how my first pastor following my own salvation, used to say how proud it made him to see me still with Jesus, so long after those early days.  It is sad that so many get confused along the way.

So, what is some application for us in this verse?  First, continue to walk in the truth.  My pastor has long since gone home to be with Jesus, as have a number of my early mentors, but even if those instrumental in our early days of Christianity are not here to see it, let us continue, inspired by the faith of our dear friends.

Second, thank God for those whom He has benefited through your own personal ministry, who are still going strong.  Pray for them, and pray for those who have fallen away, that they may come back to the joyful life they have left.


Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the faithful that have passed through my life.  I'm thankful for anything I was able to do to turn them to deeper dependence upon You.  Strengthen them with Your mighty hand.  And God, I ask that You continue to send others to me, that I may in some way help them to know You more.

Amen