John the Apostle writes in a letter that no greater joy does he have than to see his children walking in the light. Whether these were his physical biological children, for he was married, or whether they were his “spiritual” children we do not know. Either way, there is no greater joy than to see your children walking in the truth.
III John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
This incredibly great joy does not begin when you get married or have children or when you begin to share the Gospel and to make disciples. This joy began yesterday by your actions and words and continue on through tomorrow and the next day and the next. You teach by who you are and your words are an expression of who you are. Your words only have as much power as your life.
III John 1:3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
You must own the truth, it must be your truth, for it to permeate your character and to become who you are. If you are walking in the truth then others will testify to it.
II John 1:4 I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.
You will bring gladness to others when your children are walking in the truth. We have been commanded by God, the Father, to walk in the truth. Jesus walked in the truth. When we have fellowship with Him and walk with Him then we will also walk in the truth. When you walk in the truth then you will not walk in the lies of the devil or the lies of the world.
I John 2:21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
Satan only uses one weapon and that is a lie. Every time that you or I have sinned it is because we listened to a lie. Sin brings death. Even a Christian can experience death to their soul. Death to the soul is the guilt, the regret, the sorrow, the sickness in our spirit that we feel when we sin. Jesus came to not only save you for all eternity but to save your soul from death during your time on earth. His words are truth and when you receive them into your very being and they become a part of you then they will save your soul from death.
James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and allthat remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Implanted means that it is planted in your heart to take root and grow and bear fruit. The good soil that bore much fruit heard the Word and held it fast. When you receive it into your heart then the Word will talk to you as you go through the day and speak to you in the night.
Luke 8:15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.
You don’t just want to get a hold of God’s Words but you want them to get a hold of you.
Proverbs 6:22 When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.
So…the outcome of such a life is that those whom you teach will become like you. If you put God’s Word in your heart then they will also. If you keep God’s Word then they will also. If you love God’s Word then they also will learn to love His Word and when they do this then they will learn to also walk in His truth. Your cup will truly overflow with greater joy because your children will be walking in the light.
Luke 6:40 A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.
A godly life is not built overnight nor do you mature in a day. You must learn to be faithful and spend time with Him every day and put into practice what He teaches you. You must discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness and then you will become godly. A message prepared from a life reaches a life. Jesus lived out His message and He wants us to do so also, rather He wants to live His message through you and reach others. You will then be called “the light of the world” and others will come to know Him.
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Instructions To A Young Life 