Daily Devotional

In 3 John 4 the Apostle John says, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

I have read that verse many times, but I never really understood it till I led someone to faith in Christ. John refers to his ‘children’. Most commentators agree that this is probably one of his converts. And for John to lead someone to faith in Christ, and then to check on them periodically and find that they are ‘walking in the truth’ is his greatest joy.
I have been in vocational pastoral ministry now for almost 30 years. Sometimes people ask me, “Brian, what gives you the greatest joy in ministry?” I don’t hesitate for a second; “Leading someone to Christ, and seeing the transformation that takes place in their lives that comes as a result (2 Cor. 5:17).”

I had the privilege of leading Dave to Christ. Dave was a drywaller. I remember him telling me about his drywall crew. He said, “They swear and tell dirty jokes.” He said, “The funny thing is, before I became a Christian I never noticed it because I was right there with them, but now, it drives me crazy.” He said, “I know it’s because I have Christ in my life. I’m being transformed by the Holy Spirit as I obey His Word.” Dave’s wife, April, saw the changes in Dave and asked him about it. So Dave shared the gospel with her, and led her to Christ. I invited Dave and April to my small group. They came. And as they opened their Bibles, and shared about their lives with other believers, they started to grow in their faith.

He said, “The drywallers noticed right away when I wasn’t swearing and telling dirty jokes anymore, so they asked me about it. And I told them I had received Christ, and I live for Him now.” He said, “They laughed at me, made fun of me, and started calling me ‘Bible boy’.” He said, “I didn’t mind, though. I just prayed for them and hoped I might have an opportunity to lead them to Christ.”

I remember Dave coming to our small group and saying, “I don’t know if you know this, but I smoke cigarettes.” He said, “I’m a Christian now, so I need to stop.” I said, “Dave, I’m curious, who told you you need to stop smoking?” He said, “I just feel like God wants me to stop. Smoking is not good for me, my body belongs to Him, and I want to be used by Him for the long haul. So I want to stop.”

A short time later, both Dave and April wanted to take the next step in their relationship with Christ and be baptized. They got up in front of the whole church and shared their testimony; who they were before they accepted Christ, and how Christ has changed their lives since. They admitted they still have a long way to go, but they are totally different people now because of Christ.

When I think about Dave, I am overwhelmed with joy. God used me to lead him to faith. And God used me to help him grow in his faith. Dave works at a church now. April works for a missions agency. To this day whenever I go back to Chicago and see Dave and April walking in truth, I have great joy.

Is there someone in your life that when you hear of them walking in the truth, you have great joy? If not, my challenge is simple. Find someone. Start praying for opportunities to share Christ with your non-Christian family members and friends. And when the opportunity presents itself (and it will), make sure you share it. Remember, you’re just the tool God uses. He closes the deal. You just have to be faithful.

Experience this great joy!