What Gives a Pastor Joy? (3 John 4)

3 John 4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

        What gives a pastor joy? John, the last living apostle of Jesus, tells us in a tiny book in the New Testament. What gave John joy? He found joy when his people, God’s people under his care, were walking in the truth.

        I understand this. I love, absolutely love, to find the people of God obeying his commands and following his word. This can happen as numbers increase or decrease. This can happen as ministries begin and end. This can happen as programs come and go. None of these things are at the heart of what gives me joy as a pastor. But ,to see the people of God dive into his word, begin to understand it, and even better, to begin to obey it, that gives me joy.

        Lord, I am grateful for the calling you have placed on my life. I love to be a part of your plan. I cannot compel anyone to do what you say. I cannot convince anyone of your truth; that is the province of your Holy Spirit. However, I love to be a tool in your hand to help your people walk in truth. I pray, therefore, that you would help me to be used by you and give me the joy of seeing your people love and obey your word for your glory.