DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE REWARD OF MINISTRY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE REWARD OF MINISTRY

"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."  (II John 8)

There is an interesting thing in this verse.  John wrote to the elect lady and her children, and then said, "Look to yourselves."  This is second person – yourselves.  In other words, pay attention to your faith and how you live.

But then he changed to first person – we.  Their faithfulness to the Gospel affects the reward that the "we" – the spiritual leaders and ministers – would receive.  It seems that their work would be in vain if those loved ones did not remain true to the faith that John had taught them.

I have never quite thought about the effect that my life would have on those who were instrumental in my coming to Christ or had nurtured me through the years by discipling me.

As a pastor I know that there is great joy in knowing that people I have ministered to are continuing in their walk with Jesus.  That is what John wrote in verse 4 –  "I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth."  In fact, in his letter to Gaius, John wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (III John 4).

You, my children, are a source of encouragement and joy to people who have helped you grow in your faith.  Some of them may be gone now.  But remember that you are still alive, and there are still people who are helping you grow in faith – such as pastors and teachers, or even just friends who care about your spiritual life.

None of us live to the Lord alone.  We are interconnected as the Body of Christ, and how we live can cause other people joy or pain, not to mention how much Jesus cares about our spiritual development.  

I want to be a source of joy and encouragement to those who have had input into my Christian life.   Thank God for their care and their ministry to me.  May God bless them.  I want them to receive a full reward.

Love, Dad