Last weekend Miranda and I traveled to Middle Tennessee for a couple different reasons. First, Miranda’s great aunt had passed away, so we went back to attend her funeral and be with family. However, the funeral was not our only reason for going back to Lewisburg. You see, we had already made plans to be in Lewisburg last weekend because of graduation. Several of our former students reached this milestone, and we went back to celebrate with them.

As I sat through the ceremony and watched these kids who I had spent almost six years working with, I couldn’t help but be proud of them and the young people they have grown up to be. Watching the ceremony and talking with the students afterward, I was reminded of something the apostle John wrote in his letter we refer to as 3 John. In speaking to Gaius, John said, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (v. 4). Just as John was proud of those converts and believers he had worked with, I, too, was proud of these students and many others we were fortunate enough to see while we were there. Seeing who they are and what they are becoming is such a blessing to my life.

Many of you who are parents have experienced similar feelings. You are proud of your children! Have you ever taken time to stop and realize it’s the same way with God? As our heavenly Father sits on His throne in heaven, David tells us He looks down upon the “Sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God” (Psa. 14:2). Just as I was proud of those students and many of you are proud of who your children are and what they have become, God is also proud of His children (you and me) when we do good and become who it is that He wants us to be. When we choose to put Christ on in baptism, our Father is proud. When we choose to live a life of service to others, our Father is proud. When we choose to tell others about His great love, our Father is proud. When we choose to live a faithful life to Him, we bring Him no greater joy!

As I traveled back to Knoxville on Sunday afternoon, I reflected upon my life. I thought about the joy I felt watching those students become young people I and so many others were proud of. Then I asked myself the question that each and every one of us should ask ourselves, “Am I living my life in such a way that my heavenly Father can look down from heaven and be proud of me?” If the answer to that question is no, then we have something to work on. May we all live in such a way that brings joy and honor to our heavenly Father…for there is no greater joy!

Now that’s Something to Think About!