My Greatest Joy

November 29, 2023

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4 NLT

This is an inspiring verse, expressing the deep desires of the heart of a Jesus-follower so well that Christian art companies sell many wall-hangings of it. The problem is, too often it’s a desire so deeply covered by the values of the world and doesn’t surface nearly often enough. We say children do what they do because of what they worship. Truth. But the truth behind the truth is that children are strongly influenced by what WE, the significant adults in their lives, worship.

Let’s start easy. 😊 I can’t tell you how many kids and teens have expressed to me their frustration and cynicism at what they call unfair and hypocritical behavior over technology.

“We fight over our devices all the time. Mom says I’m addicted to my phone. Maybe I am. But what about her? She’s on it all night and even when she’s driving! And who do you think I learned to be a gamer from? Dad bought me my own games so he could have more time to play himself!” And “They say they want me to be off my phone and games so we can talk. But that’s only when THEY want to talk. Try interrupting Mom when she’s on Facebook or her phone, or try getting any meaningful conversation out of Dad when he’s playing. Seriously, it’s a real joke, but if they knew I told you that, I’d be in major trouble.” Yikes.

Then, the things that cause us to brag, applaud, compliment, and get excited can be an indicator of what we worship. Do character issues or talent issues get the biggest shout-out from us? Do the children believe (even the adult ones) that their career progress, their achievements in sports, their performance abilities, their academics, their physical appearance, their popularity are most important to you?

It’s easy to jump in and criticize any and all lack in the character department from our children, particularly if we feel like they make us look bad. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to breeze past the words and actions that show they are progressing in the direction of Jesus. Kind words, compassionate actions, truthful conversations—all these are vital, and often they get no notice or affirmation. But the truth of our human nature is that we repeat what gets noticed.

When we want our children to follow the truth, we need to joyfully note, appreciate, and affirm every step in that direction. Don’t worship perfection. God always works through process and progress. Worship the God who takes us where we are and leads us to where we never dreamed we could be. He is worthy of our worship and will help us lead them there.

• Think about it: What needs to change in my life to best lead my children to worship rightly and walk in truth?