The Life that Pleases God

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Living a Life that is Pleasing to God

3 John 1-8

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

                  What brings us joy and happiness?  What we value is what brings us joy.  Yet joy is often fleeting.  Some people strive to obtain joy through the accusation of material possessions.  They think they would find joy and contentment if only they got this one thing- a new car, a new house, or the latest fashion.  However, once the newness wears off, the joy is gone, and they are left to pursue the next latest and greatest thing.  Some people search for happiness and joy in their careers.  They believe that if they succeed and gain recognition, they will be fulfilled and find joy.  But once again, happiness eludes them as they spend their life pursuing the next promotion only to discover that they still feel unfulfilled and devoid of joy at their retirement.  

                  As John writes this third epistle, John shares what gives him his greatest joy.  For John, his greatest joy comes through the spiritual transformation of people.  As a parent, we desire our children to be successful and enjoy life, but our greatest joy is when they are walking according to the truth of God’s Word.  In a world of deception and moral confusion, there is no greater joy than our children discovering and living a life of obedience to Christ.

                  However, John is writing under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, and in doing so, he is also sharing the heart of God.  There is no greater joy for God than when His children walk in the truth. God experiences joy when we are living by His Word. Zephaniah 3:17 states, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior.  E will exult over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love; he will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”  So also, Isaiah 62:5 states, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you.”  When we walk in obedience to Him, it brings Him joy.  However, when we disobey Him, it causes him grief.  Paul states in Ephesians 4:30, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”  In other words, our disobedience causes God sorrow. As a parent, I grieved when my children disobeyed me, but I experienced great joy when they made decisions that reflected the values I sought to instill.  The same is true of God.  God desires us to obey the truth of His Word, and when we do, it causes Him to delight in us.

                  As you go through your day, ask God to guide and direct you so that you walk in the truth. Make it your daily prayer to know and obey the truth. When that becomes our focus, God delights in us. 

                  

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