1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”
What do other people think of you? Many years ago I asked that question of a young man who had recently been released from the Idaho State Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. He had become so disruptive that when released back to our jurisdiction, the local law enforcement agencies were notified that when rearrested he should be confined for as long as possible.
There was no response to my question about what others thought of him, so I passed the letter I had received across the desk and allowed him to read it. The young man’s mouth flew open in genuine astonishment. Ultimately, I agreed to work with him to change his behavior and he was never rearrested. In fact, that unruly young man became a model citizen.
The superintendent of the Rehab Center later inquired about the young man’s status and whether he had been arrested yet. When I reported that the former troublemaker was now a model citizen he wanted to know how I had accomplished that miracle. I told the superintendent that actually he had done it because the young man had read his letter.
So I ask you the question: Are you someone’s greatest problem or are you their glory and joy? I want to be the hope and joy of others!
Blessings dear hearts! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil