Joy Begins Today

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

As parents of older children, many of whom are adults, my bride and I definitely know what it means when it says that there is no greater joy than to see your children walking in the truth. The more our children walk in the truth, the more joy we have. Most parents want their children to grow up to walk in the truth. But, it does not have immediate priority because many concerns shoulder their way into our lives. Yet, the future spiritual strength of our children has its foundation in Today and has roots that extend into the energy of their parent's spiritual life. Parents that are depending on children's Bible classes, youth groups and the activities of their local church to make up for their own lack of spiritual life will often be disappointed. Growing children with a strong faith in Jesus and a life given to His service (no matter what their career) is a huge challenge in our culture.

So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Rev 12)

Many young people that talk spiritual in their youth groups wind up losing that focus in college and in the early years of their careers. As a result, their young faith can become meaningless in their lives, relationships and families. Even if parents are excited about seeking and serving Jesus, their children must still come to the point of embracing or rejecting Jesus as central to their life. This is made more difficult because there is significant pressure in our culture to make Christians into the image of ignorant, rule-following, hypocritical haters. To counteract cultural pressure, children need to deeply experience the reality of Christ's love and truth in their families. The foundation of this love, truth, and faith is the responsibility of the parents. Children will become adults with free will to embrace, reject or hold Christ at arm's length. Doing all we can is no guarantee that children will walk in the truth. But, the less we do as parents focused on Jesus, the more we will expose our children to the influence and lies of our culture. If we want the joy of seeing our children walking in the truth, then we must begin today with prayer for wisdom, personally seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, and taking God led action.

But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Mark 10)