No greater joy!

So last night I stopped by my brother's house to visit my first (and so far only) nephew. He is now 17 days old and is evidently growing quickly. Though I stopped in just to take a peek at him, I ended up staying for awhile, holding him in my arms. That's where he fell asleep. I can't even begin to describe the incredible feelings I had while he was laying in my arms. A tiny creation of God can make a grown man's heart overflow with tears.

When considering all that surrounds this guiltless soul, I could not help but worry about him. Though he is being raised in the ideal home with magnificent parents, he will still be facing the same gruesome thing every person faces as they go through life; sin. May God save Him. That being said, I remembered the following passage:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4

Of course, in this passage John is not referring to his own physical, young kids. But this passage brings out the true love of a person who helped form someone's spiritual being. Please consider the depth of this passage. What does it mean to raise a child? You feed, cloth, teach, tuck him in to bed, and etc. And you do this throughout the child's entire life until they are capable of doing the same with their own children. Now let's make the connection between the physical and spiritual raising of a child. Spiritually, you feed, pray, nurture, and care for a person until they are able to stand on their own two feet. After accomplishing such a feat, John is saying he has no greater joy than to hear that those whom he helped spiritually, continue to walk in truth.

How often do we have the joy of seeing God's children, especially those whom we helped, continue to walk in the light of the Word? Just a thought to consider... blessings!