Daily Devos - Friday, January 18, 2008

"For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting...is it not you?

For you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19, 20

School sporting events are interesting places. Sitting in the stands, you can almost immediately discern what type of parent someone is by the comments they make (or yell) during the game. Parents lacking in love scream at their children to perform better. Parents who are more concerned with their own egos scream at the coaches and referee's. Parents who are proud of their children loudly proclaim cheers and praises to their little one. This latter category is a pleasure to watch. Their child can be the most awkward, clumsy, goofy kid on the field--but it doesn't matter. That is THEIR kid, and they are going to cheer her on!

Parents, by definition, love their kids. The news is full or horrible stories of parents who do unspeakable things to their children. The reason these stories are so newsworthy is because they seem so unnatural. Failing to love our own children is universally condemned. Conversely, pagan and Christian alike sing the praises of a dedicated and loving father or mother.

In this passage, Paul is telling us the joy of producing 'spiritual children'. That is, he is telling us that a certain kind of joy (and even a certain kind of "glory") is only possible when we are part of God's process of bringing someone to a saving knowledge in Jesus Christ. Paul even refers to them as his "crowns". No, Paul is not 'notching his belt' with number of converts he has. It's not about numbers...its about people.

When we get to heaven, what will we boast in? What will we be proud of? Certainly not our accomplishments. Perhaps you be able to say,

"Lord, this place is wonderful.

Thank you for using me to bring others to this place.
They're here, and I'm so proud of them."

I can't wait to be in the heavenly bleachers on that day!