3 John 4 KJV
[4] “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
John was responsible for bringing Gaius to Christ. In our verse he calls him one of his children. It is a tremendous blessing when God uses you to help bring someone to Christ. It is an even greater blessing when you hear that they are growing and walking in the truth of God’s Word. John was overjoyed at the testimony of his convert.
We must not forget, as believers we are to both evangelize and equip others in the ministry. Discipleship is an important part of helping others get established in their new life. Once an individual begins to blossom in the faith it gives strength and encouragement not just to them, but to all of the church. New converts add an excitement to the church like no other.
As soul winners we can be encouraged by looking back at some of the trophies of grace God has allowed us to have a part in. We must not pride ourselves, nor fool ourselves, in thinking we have done anything. The Lord could have done it without us. He could have used someone else to witness and win them. I know there are certain people that only we can reach, but that doesn’t mean God is limited. This only means we have a personal responsibility because God placed them in our paths.
I once knew of two great preachers in our area who are in heaven now. The first was a faithful country preacher, and the second was a lost man who was a local barber. The country preacher kept witnessing and preaching to the man until he was converted. He then became a powerful preacher like the one who had brought him to Christ. I had the privilege of listening to them preach revivals together many times. I often wondered what the older of the two must have thought as he sat and listened to this trophy of grace thunder from the pulpit. He must have greatly rejoiced to hear this child as he walked in truth.