by Dr. Al Hearne II

This devotion is our second shore excursion to understand how daily living in God's truth leads to eternal life.

Shore Excursion 2 - What Does It Mean To Walk in the Truth

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

3 John is a short letter, only 14 verses long.  It contains commendations (verses 2-3), expressions of joy (verse 4), encouragement of praise for hospitality (5-8), and addresses issues within the church (verses 9-12).  The last two verses serve as the letter's confusion.  Within this context, verse 4 sets the entire tone: a deep appreciation for his "spiritual" children living their lives by God's truth. 

Undoubtedly, the children that John is referring to are his spiritual children, those over which he is pastoring.  Notice that they are "walking in the truth."  John does not precisely explain what he means by this phrase; its meaning was apparently self-evident to the original audience.  The church members are living their lives consistent with the Bible's teachings.  They followed the Bible's commandments and had characteristics such as honesty, integrity, and truthfulness present in their lives.  They actively follow the golden rule and turn the other cheek.  In addition, they remain faithful to God's word and reject false teachings.

The following verses also highlight additional aspects of what it means to walk in the truth.  Verses 5-8 highlight the importance of believers showing hospitality.  John commends Gaius for showing hospitality and appeals to others to do the same.  Verses 7-8 also state the importance of supporting missionary work.  Whereas verse 12 highlights the importance of respecting apostolic authority, verses 9-10 rebuke Diotrephes for rejecting John's authority.  Verse 11 contains an appeal to imitate not evil but good.

What does this mean for us today? Walking in the truth means living a life that reflects Christ's love and what the Bible teaches. This involves all of our daily activities, which include things like showing hospitality, supporting missions, respecting church authority, and consistently choosing good over evil. Furthermore, walking in God’s truth is the only path that leads to eternal life.  Only when we align our lives with God’s truth can we fulfill His will and enter his kingdom at the second coming.

Reflective Practice

In what areas of your life do you feel you are walking in the truth?  Are there areas where you feel you could improve?

Can you recall a recent situation where you chose to follow God's path versus an easier one?  How did you handle it?

Who in your life consistently walks in God's truth, and what qualities do they exhibit that you can incorporate into your own life?

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a great and magnificent God.  Thank you for being present with every one of your children.  I ask that they feel your presence as you guide them through recognizing your truth so they can walk in it and please you.  I ask that you give them the strength to say no to the wider path of the world and yes to your narrower path which leads to eternal life.  In Jesus name, Amen!

 

[image, No Greater Joy, was created by DALL·E.]