I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4
The first day of a new school year is often joyous for the student. Of course, he may be a bit anxious, but usually with new clothes and new books comes a new teacher and new friends. Parents, on the other hand, can be trepidatious, aware that high expectations may not be met and result in deep disappointment for their child. Some weeks later comes the parent-teacher conferences, the time for revealing the student’s report card. Knowing what could appear in the grade section, it might be the child’s turn to squirm. Parents are elated when they see that their child has been diligent.
For John, the apostle, reports coming from the churches he had planted and over which he held a position of authority indicated his “children” were walking in the truth. To walk in truth is not only a goal from the New Testament, it was a purpose of King David. “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11). David longed for instruction in the truth of God. Throughout Scripture, walking in truth is not just putting one foot in front of the other. It is a pattern of continually following.
When you are walking in the truth of God, you continually and consistently follow Him. You have access to Him as you are living life on purpose at His side. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).
If God were to give you a spiritual report card, would He say you have been doing a good job of learning? That your life is consistent with your words? Just as a kindergartener will grow up, learning as he grows, so God desires for you to be continually learning and becoming more mature. The life of a believer does not stand still. You are either moving forward or you are falling behind. Commit to taking action steps that will move you toward greater maturity in Jesus, in wisdom and experience. Let your walk with Him be an adventure!
Today’s Verse: 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 5:18-25
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
