NO GREATER JOY
Nichol DeGroot
Today’s Scripture: “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” 3 John 1:4, NLT
Theme: Godly parents (and leaders) prioritize spiritual growth and development – in their families’ schedules, finances, and intellectual pursuits.
THE TRUE MEASURE OF JOY
There are many things in life we celebrate—achievements, milestones, careers, and financial stability. But this Scripture reminds us that none of these compare to this: our children walking in God’s truth. Not just knowing it; not just hearing it; but living it out daily. This kind of joy is eternal. It reflects a life rooted in Christ and a legacy that goes beyond anything this world can offer: intentional, not accidental.
Children don’t naturally drift toward truth. They are guided there. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by chance; it happens through intentional parenting and leadership. Godly parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being purposeful.
It’s choosing prayer when life feels rushed.
It’s choosing Scripture when answers aren’t obvious.
It’s choosing Christ in the middle of everyday moments.
ESTABLISHING GODLY RHYTHMS
In our home, we’ve made certain things important habits. We pray together before school and work. We go to church and serve together as a family. When our children face challenges, we don’t just give advice, we point them back to God.
What does the Bible say? What would Jesus do? How is God calling you to respond? Whether it’s fear before a test, losing something important, or dealing with a difficult person, we remind them to bring everything to God in prayer.
TEACHING A CHRISTLIKE RESPONSE
When our children face hard situations, like dealing with bullying, we guide them to respond differently. We remind them that sometimes people hurt others because they themselves are hurting. And instead of responding with anger, we teach them what Scripture says: to love, to forgive, and to pray, especially for those who mistreat them. This isn’t always easy, but it reflects the heart of Christ.
MODELING WHAT WE TEACH
Our children learn much more from what we do rather than what we say. That means when we make mistakes, we don’t ignore them; we acknowledge them. We apologize. We ask for forgiveness. We show them that we didn’t respond the way Jesus would have, and we try again. We don’t just expect our children to live out faith; we model it so they can follow it. We want them to see humility, repentance, and what a relationship with Christ looks like.
FAITH BEYOND SUNDAY
Church is important, but it’s not the full picture. Faith is meant to be lived out daily: in conversations, decisions, and even in what we choose to watch and listen to. It shows up in how we treat one another, how we handle pressure, and how we love. Our goal is to create an environment where Christ is at the center of everything.
FOR THOSE STARTING FRESH
Not everyone was raised in a home where faith was modeled. Many parents are learning as they go, trying to figure out what it looks like to lead their families spiritually. If that’s you, take heart—God honors intentionality. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to consistently point your children to the One who does.
RAISING DISCIPLES, NOT JUST CHILDREN
The goal isn’t just raising well-behaved kids. The goal is raising children who know God, love Him, and walk with Him in every area of their lives. The aim is to raise children who turn to Him in every situation who trust Him, and who follow Him.
Make It Personal: The joy of seeing your children walk in truth doesn’t happen by accident. It grows through small, intentional choices made every day.
Start where you are.
Choose one daily rhythm you can commit to this week. Maybe it’s praying together before school or at bedtime. Maybe it’s reading a short Scripture together as a family. It doesn’t have to be long or perfect; it just needs to be consistent.
Be intentional in the moments that matter. When your child is struggling, pause and ask: “What does God say about this?” Help them see that His Word applies to real life, not just church.
Model what you want them to become. If you make a mistake, don’t hide it; use it. Apologize. Show them what humility and repentance look like. Let them see your relationship with God in action.
Evaluate what’s shaping your home. Consider your schedules, your conversations, and even what you allow into your home through all types of media. Ask yourself: “Is this drawing our family closer to Christ or further away?”
And most importantly, give yourself grace as you grow. You don’t have to do everything at once. Faithfulness in small things builds a strong foundation over time.
Today, take one step—just one!—that points your family more intentionally toward Christ. Because over time, those small steps will lead to something greater than anything this world can offer: children who truly walk in God’s truth.
Pray: Lord, thank You for all You have done in our lives, all the things that continue to point us to You. Thank You for our children; they truly are gifts. Help us to steward them and guide them to You. Each child is extremely different, with their own personalities, gifts, talents, and struggles. Holy Spirit, lead us in the care of our children. Let us use Your Word as an encyclopedia for our lives and theirs. Let us not choose what feels right, but what is righteous in Your sight. We want to raise a legacy of bold, Christ-followers who will bring up the next generation, and the next generation, and the next generation to fear You. Father God, continue to strengthen us as parents and leaders, and guide us. We love You, and we lift up our children to You. In Your Holy Name we pray, amen.
Read: Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 127:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:1
Weekly Memory Verse: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4, ESV