28/03/2016 - SADNESS OR JOY

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He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.  Proverbs 17.21

See what kind of child you have raised in Christ, for if you do not teach him in the doctrine of the Word, he will certainly not give you joy. It is unconceivable for someone to have found Jesus as Savior and not spread the Good News to his friends and relatives. After all, salvation is so good that we are willing even to suffer in order to gain the lost for the Master. The more people you reach for Him, more you will be rewarded on His coming.

Our sons and daughters are the Lord’s inheritance (Ps 127.3). Therefore, we must strive to make them grow and then insert them in the Kingdom of God, educate them in the Truth and in good behavior. Just as in the natural sphere we orientate our children to act correctly, we must teach them to walk in the Way, so that they might remain on it when they grow up (Pv 22.6). Thus, they will make us satisfied in the spiritual life as well.

Jesus did not spare his time when he instructed those whom He called for His ministry. Our responsibility with a person begins when we lead him to Christ, and after his rebirth, it remains until He returns. Some abandon the people that they conducted to the Kingdom of God. These can be compared to the children who never visit their parents or leave them in asylums until they die. Never surrender to the devil what the Father has given you.

When a young man asked Jesus what he lacked to inherit the eternal life, he promptly received an answer. Since he refused to follow the perfect orientation that was given, he left with a saddened heart (Mt 19.16-22). It is true that we will be frustrated when we find some “strange children”; however, we will have great pleasure when we see several others who learn to love God, and will even surpass us in this love. Always give a good example.

The Master did not bargain the support of the young rich man who sought for Him, and in the same way, He will not do so with us. If a person despises His orders, he will only have sadness for what will come. However, if he fulfills the Word, in little time, there will be much to rejoice about. Whenever you see your disciples in the Lord occupying their place in the Gospel, you will be exultant, and as a consequence, you will obtain the divine reward.

The church must have people that prove their heavenly love and are grateful to God; not people who go to services as an obligation, without the willingness to help the work in its needs. Whatever you do in church to reach a little one, you will have done for the Lord Himself. When you care for His work, you will see that He will care for you.

Whoever does little for the Gospel probably receives little of God’s grace, and does not enjoy everything that He has to offer. Do not reject this person, however, with love; lead him to understand that he can have more from the Almighty, and if he acts by faith, he will love Him even more. May your disciples become true servants!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares