SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT CHILDREN WALKING IN TRUTH
One of our greatest joys (and sometimes challenges) for Beth and I is watching our adult children parent our grandchildren. This became easier when I realized I was no longer the authority in their lives—I’m now an advisor. Authority figures can speak into a situation anytime they want—but advisors only do so when invited to give their opinion. I sometimes have to bite my tongue and let our kids learn from experience—like I did!
We recently spent extended time with two of our three children, their spouses and children, and I came home with three very distinct insights:
Parenting is much more challenging today than it was when Beth and I were raising our kids. I pray for our kids!
Our adult children are doing a good job—even though they parent differently than we did.
Growing children in the faith at home is more important today than ever before—because we cannot assume the other adults in their lives (coaches, teachers, neighbors, etc.) share the same faith.
I also found these words of scripture to be true:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’
(3 John 1:4)
In this text, John was referring to Gaius, who was likely using his home to offer hospitality to traveling missionaries, who were sent out by the Apostle John. They returned to John with a good report about Gaius, which brought joy to the aging apostle.
John’s greatest joy was to know that his spiritual children were walking in the truth, and the greatest joy of Christian parents is to know their natural children walk in the truth. Nothing is more important to a godly mom or dad than knowing their children follow Jesus Christ. This truth holds eternal significance.
The parents of a young boy were nearly inconsolable when he unexpectedly died of an illness, but as they cleaned his room, they found a small New Testament in the pocket of his pants. Inside the front cover were three little words in their son’s handwriting: “I love God.” Nothing in the world could have brought them greater joy.
Do all in your power to make sure the children in your life walk in truth, my friends!
Bishop Jeff Greenway