1 Thessalonians 2:20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

I wonder how many ministers really feel this way? There are certainly quite a few, but it’s a percentage, not the whole group. All sorts of things conspire to make us self-centered, when God wants us to focus first on Him and then on our neighbors. (Matthew 22:36-40) Some years ago someone came up with the acronym, JOY, for Jesus, Others, Yourself. That works pretty well, I think, in most situations. Obedience to and fellowship with God has got to be our first priority, and after that come the people with whom we interact. We aren’t to neglect ourselves, because that would be poor stewardship, but society teaches us to put ourselves first, and that is never the way to true happiness, peace, and joy. A major problem with society today is the victim mentality, which is guaranteed to make us unhappy! When we recognize God’s grace toward us we will be filled with gratitude, and psychologists pretty universally agree that’s the key to happiness. Paul’s attitude here is exemplary, because he is rejoicing in the people whom God enabled him to lead to faith. That is real joy!

This is something I’ve learned more and more over the years. I am a happy person, because I recognize how good God has been to me. However, my flashes of pure joy come when my spiritual children demonstrate their commitment and spiritual growth in the Lord. At this point, one of my delights is a man who is drawing ever closer to full repentance and faith, and my anticipation knows no bounds! I don’t have anywhere near the numbers of spiritual children that many others have, but I indeed delight to hear of their faith and growth. One of my many anticipations of heaven is to see not only those to whom I’ve ministered, but also those whom they have led to repentance and faith, to understand the extended fruit of God working through me. That will be glory indeed!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for those to whom You have allowed me to minister. May we all grow in faith and obedience, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!