1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

In Japanese this verse uses a phrase that I have seen exclaimed over in various English publications, and that is ikigai, “a reason to live.” I have seen it explained as “a reason to get up in the morning,” which is pretty close too. Sadly, many people simply go through the motions, afraid to die but with no real reason to live. God had a reason for creating each one of us, and the sooner and better we grasp that, the better off we are, gaining joy and satisfaction in our very existence. That’s precisely what Paul is talking about here, though the “really live” in the NIV doesn’t convey it very well, in my opinion. Every parent gets real satisfaction when their children do well, and that applies to spiritual children as well. Paul’s statement could be echoed by countless ministers of the Gospel, ordained and otherwise, because it indicates an assurance that we are “laying up treasure in heaven,” as Jesus told us to do. (Matthew 6:20) After all, the only things we can take with us to heaven are the souls of people we have introduced to the Savior! Like Paul, our peace and joy should come from knowing those people are secure and growing in their faith.

I don’t know how long I’ve known this, but it’s been quite a while. My own ministry hasn’t been so much in getting people birthed into God’s family as it has been in training them once they’re born, but the principle still holds. I’ve got spiritual children literally around the world! The challenges are ongoing. One of my “newly adopted” children has just sent me a letter about how she doesn’t approve of the celebration of Christmas because it isn’t found in the Bible. I should have expected something of the sort, because when she first came she said she had been a Christian for four years, but it was her first time to attend church. That indicated that she was led to the Lord by someone who was burned out by the institutional Church, which can be understandable, but it has opened her up to all sorts of fringe teaching, including her position on Christmas. (Incidentally, I am well aware that Jesus was in all probability not born on December 25^th, and I too am disgusted by all the commercialization of it, but I believe firmly that the fact that He was born is certainly worth celebrating, and such celebrations are an excellent opportunity to share the Gospel with those who haven’t yet received it.) I want her, and every person in my care, to stand firmly on the truth of the Word and keep growing, to become and be all that God desires and intends for them, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the opportunity to share Your truth with others, not from a high horse but in all humility, so that we may grow together in Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!