No Greater Joy

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Last weekend, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus around the globe. During Easter Sunday, our family was blessed to be able to watch the baptism of our oldest son, Hunter.

When Mike and I first started having children, we knew that our greatest joy would be that our children walked with the Lord, above all else. So far, the oldest two have given their hearts to Him. In March, Hunter approached us and asked us if he could get baptized on Easter. We were thrilled with both his decision of getting baptized and his wanting to do it on Easter.

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

As each one chooses this path in their lives of walking in the truth, I can truly say my heart overflows with joy. As a believer, what more could I want in life?

The funny part is that in my earlier years of parenting, I used to wonder how I could be a disciple in the world when all I was doing was being a mom and wife. I didn't know how I could live out my calling in this world when my calling was right in front of me. I bought into this lie that I wasn't doing enough. During those younger years, I was blessed to be apart of a wonderful organization called MOPS in Oklahoma. While there, I had some wonderful Mentor Moms teach us that we are disciples to our children. What a powerful calling! Since then, I have prayed over my children and I have taught them all that I know from the Bible. We spend many days in discussion about what we believe.

Being a disciple doesn't mean we have to go to another country on a mission's trip. Being a disciple can mean sharing the good news among our families, children, friends, our children's coaches, and even the people at the grocery store. Starting at home with our own children is a great place to start. Studying the Bible together, going through life together, forgiving one another, and even asking your own children for forgiveness when you've wronged them all leads to the cross.

1 Corinthians 15:59 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

 

Just like when you take those marriage vows, you go through good times and bad. Our children will also see the good times and bad as well. It's what you do during those bad times and how you come out of it that will be a testimony to others. Living life day to day with your family is a testimony in and of itself. Is it easy? Definitely not. It's a far cry from being easy. Everything we say and do is in Technicolor to those closest to us. Continuing to love and forgive each other as Christ forgave us is the best way to continue living a life of joy. Life is full of ups and downs but the only way up is through Him.

Acts 13:38-39 Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.