Wednesday Reading: 3 John 1:2-7
Key Verse: 3 John 1:4
4 I have no greater joy than these things, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
Devotion:
One of the biggest things in our lives is knowing we have made a difference! We like to think that the world is a better place because of us and that we have changed at least something for the better. In reality, we may never know just how much we have influenced others until someone actually tells us. In John's letter here we are shown the difference people can make in other's lives. He himself says that he has no greater joy than to know that the people he has taught are actually doing what he taught them and have continued in faith to follow Christ's teachings.
Key Verse: 3 John 1:4
4 I have no greater joy than these things, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
Devotion:
One of the biggest things in our lives is knowing we have made a difference! We like to think that the world is a better place because of us and that we have changed at least something for the better. In reality, we may never know just how much we have influenced others until someone actually tells us. In John's letter here we are shown the difference people can make in other's lives. He himself says that he has no greater joy than to know that the people he has taught are actually doing what he taught them and have continued in faith to follow Christ's teachings.
We may make some difference to peoples lives by introducing them to God and even teaching them more about God, but they are the ones that have to make the decision to follow Him. They are the ones that have to make the effort to do God's will and to learn God's Word. When they do that, we will be able to rejoice... not because we taught them, but because God Himself is being glorified through what they are now doing. What better praise could we ever get than to know that we have glorified God through what other people are now doing.
When I hear of the work that people do for God after I have lost contact with them for many years, my heart sings because I know that I am not alone in praising Him. I know that the people that introduced me to Him are happy when they get to hear that I am praising God every day and I know that I am happy when I get to hear of people that I have taught in the past have come to know God (even after they left my teaching!)
What a joy it would be to know that my whole family would be worshipping God in truth and faith. What a joy it would be to know that all my friends were doing the same. All I can do is continue faithfully in God's will so that others will see how wonderful my life is in God. Let God's light shine through you!
Points to Ponder:
Do you live a happy life?
What things do you count towards happiness?
Do you live a happy life?
What things do you count towards happiness?