Sunday Sermon 7.25.21
What is it that brings you your greatest joy?
A favorite hobby, a memorable location, a special loved one?
Over fifty years ago I started teaching. At first it was in Sunday School classes of primary children, and through those early years I realized just how much I loved teaching. I mean really LOVED teaching.
At age 16 when I was considering a “life verse” 3 John 4 captured by heart and determination:
“ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
I wasn’t a mother of course, but in my heart was such a compelling drive to do whatever I could to teach the truth to my classes, my “kids/children”.
Through the years, no matter the class, the age, or setting, I knew in my heart of hearts I was to teach the truth, and I also knew that there was no greater joy than to see the light bulb go on over those students’ heads, or see that facial expression change from just listening to “Wow! I actually understand that, now!”
3 John 4 has been a life verse for me since those days.
But today, it takes on a whole “new” enhanced meaning.
Many parents would say that their greatest joy is their children. I would join them.
As our son turns 30 today, and we have joined with family & friends to celebrate him, I am so proud to say he is my greatest joy, AND he walks in the truth! Proud mama here, for sure.
There is a legacy to be passed on and parents, we cannot afford to drop the baton. Not for our sake, but for the sake of our children, we must speak the truth, live the truth and teach the truth. We are only stewards of those precious lives and are responsible for what we have imparted to them.
Whether or not we are parents, our responsibility to what we teach remains. Are we teaching the truth to our students and are we living it before them?
In these days, those teaching opportunities are growing exponentially. Let’s be ready and do everything in our power to assure that our children are walking in the truth.
Oh, and, Happy Birthday, Karrington.
Go with God,
Debbie
Under Debra’s Palm 