A few years ago, our daughter Faith Ann was struggling to walk. If you don’t know our story, Faith Ann is our fourth child, and she came to our family through adoption. Faith Ann has down syndrome, and walking was a real challenge for her. At this time, our community group really locked arms with us in prayer. One night in particular, our group prayed fervently for Faith Ann. We came home, and if I’m lying, I’m dying—Faith Ann stood up and took four steps! We were in tears. Although she sat back down and scooted for the next two months, she eventually popped up again and has been running ever since!
I tell you this story because a child’s first steps are monumental. Their world expands, and they start to mature into what God has purposed for them. Similarly, the spiritual first steps of our spiritual children bring even greater joy. Watching them walk in obedience, love the Bible, give for the first time, invite someone to church, or share their testimony is profoundly joyful. Whether it’s physical children or spiritual children, there is great joy in seeing our children walk in the truth.
Love, Truth, and Holistic Health
Read 3 John 3:1-4:
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (ESV).
Let’s unpack this passage line by line. The Apostle John writes to Gaius, a beloved friend, expressing his love in truth. There is no love without truth. Truth without love is harsh and cutting, but love without truth is flimsy and weak. Real love requires real truth, and Gaius became a believer through truth—he heard he was a sinner, bound for hell without Christ, and he was told truth in love that he needed to repent. Our culture often deems these messages unloving, but it’s truly the opposite. There’s no real love without truth.
In this text, John also prays for Gaius’s holistic health. The text quite literally says that John wants Gaius to “have” or “journey” well physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Christianity teaches that everything that we are is before the Lord—life, body, and soul. Our bodies are good gifts, and we’ll have them for eternity. So, while spiritual health is paramount, physical health is also important. Christians can overemphasize spiritual health and underemphasize physical health. Our relationship with God extends to what we eat, watch, and how we care for our bodies. All we do ties us to our relationship with God.
Walking in the Truth
John rejoices greatly in this text because Gaius is walking in the truth. To walk in the truth means living it out. It’s about living in response to the gospel! It involves seeking the truth, understanding the truth, and then striving to abide by it. It’s not about perfection but about growth—taking steps forward, wrestling with the Bible, and letting it transform us. What truth are you walking in today? Is it the constant news cycle, a friend group, or the Bible?
To help others walk in the truth, we must share it with them. Children must know the truth to walk in the truth. A responsibility of every believer is to both share and model truth with our children, physical or spiritual. In addition, children will never walk in the truth if they are constantly being carried. If we are constantly helicopter parenting, our children will be robbed of the courage and resiliency they will need to walk in the truth. There is a practicality in this process of walking in the truth, and our children will never learn to walk if they are always being carried.
The Joy of Spiritual Parenthood
John states that he has no greater joy than to hear that his children are walking in the truth. Seeing spiritual children take spiritual steps brings immense joy, and it’s truly one of the greatest joys we can experience this side of heaven. However, we must remember that while we desire our children to follow Christ, it’s not entirely in our hands. We cannot save them! All we can do is introduce them to a Savior. You may be in a tough situation today with children who are not following Christ. This is certainly challenging, but it cannot be crushing. As bad as we want them to follow Christ, this cannot our deepest desire. Our deepest desire must be for the Lord and His glory. In the gospel, we have invincible joy in Christ.
Experience the Joy of Leading Others to Walk in Truth
Your goal today shouldn’t simply be about parenting more intentionally. I desire for you to experience the joy of leading others to walk in the truth. This joy comes from day-to-day efforts, not just grand moments. For parents, what steps are you calling your children to take? How are you demonstrating your love for the gospel and walking in truth before them? It’s hard to tell our kids to worship God if they see us worship them. We can certainly be for their success, but beware of this temptation for idolatry in your life.
In terms of spiritual children, who has God placed in your life to help walk in the truth? Invite them to church, read Scripture with them, and talk about God around them. Believer, the Spirit of God lives in you—just take a step! If there’s no greater joy than seeing our children walking in the truth, let’s strive to live this out and lead others to do the same.
-Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor
Watch the full sermon below:
