The Joy of a Parent
A father takes great joy in seeing his child grow and mature. A parent feels a sense of accomplishment when all the training they put into their children has born some fruit. Maturity is also an assurance that the grown child will be able to stand on their own. The Apostle John is very clear that he desires that we move from being a child spiritually to a mature adult in Christ. Nothing would give him any greater joy. As a pastor, I agree wholeheartedly.
3 John 1:4 NIV
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Walk in Truth
The Apostle John loved seeing his children in the faith walking in the truth. At the time of writing this letter, he is an old man who has been through many trials. He pastored the church in Ephesus as well as shepherding several smaller churches in the region. Our faith is a daily walk and each day we are to travel the path God has set before us. We successfully navigate that path with the truth of God’s Word. John knew that this would lead to spiritual maturity. He also knew that it would keep young Christians out of the snares of sin. For young Christians in fairly new churches, it was essential that the truth be their guide
Immerse Yourself in God’s Word
Walk in the truth. That truth comes from God’s word. Let it be your guide. Immerse yourself in the scriptures so that you will be able to discern what is false. Commit it to memory. Sit under a pastor who teaches verse by verse through the Bible. If there isn’t one near you, watch Youtube videos or listen to podcasts that teach the word. Fill yourself full of the truth and let it guide you on a daily basis.
Resist Temptation
Don’t stray from the path that God has put you on. Resist temptation. There are many detours and potholes that will try to trip up your faith. Be steadfast and don’t give up. The longer we walk with Christ, the better we will get at it. Make maturity your goal as a believer in Christ