When I was in college, I spent a summer in Guatemala on a short missionary trip. Our leader, Ron Baker, stood at about 6’4” and was somewhat of a jokester… always cracking jokes. He made life interesting, that’s for sure. When he met new people, he would often say… “Do you want to see my pride and joy?” They would look expectantly at the wallet he would whip out and wait to see pictures of his kids. Instead, they were surprised when he showed them a picture of actual pride and joy – the detergent. Always for a laugh.
The things we consider our pride and joy are the things we are most proud of… maybe our kids, grandkids, accomplishments, or achievements. Each one of us certainly have a few “pride and joy” plaques, right? To the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul tells them that THEY are his pride and joy. In fact, he goes further and says that when he stands before the Lord, his greatest reward and crown will be the people of this church. Why? Because his impact on them was making lasting impressions… they were living differently, walking with newness, and making a huge impact with the Gospel in their community and beyond (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
As I pondered Paul’s words this morning, I thought… the most important thing we can do on this earth is invest in the lives of people… not just invest in them but invest with the Gospel. I pictured the day I stand before the Lord. What will come up at that meeting? Surely not the boards I sat on, the committees I was a part of, my church attendance, or the business I built. No. What will come up is the people whose lives were changed because of my impact. In fact, they might be right there with me and as I turn around, I will hear stories of changed lives… how they lived, and walked, and thought differently because of my influence for Jesus in their lives. I will hear how I pointed them to the cross.
Now hear me… I don’t always do it right and this is speaking to my heart today. It’s very convicting. But it was a great reminder that my highest goal should be to invest in people, no matter who they are. It should be your goal too because it’s the one thing that has eternal value. So, how can we do this? Here are two ways…
By example! The way our example will impact people is the way we live… always trusting, believing, hoping. Always seeking after Jesus. Living in a thankful mode. How we persevere when the fire is hot and the pressures are mounting. And having a quiet spirit… a spirit that obeys God’s ways. The way we live for Jesus in front of people – Christians and non-Christians – can be a huge impact on others.
By discipleship! This feature of the Great Commission is often missing in the church. But discipleship is when you come alongside people, walk with them, and show them the power of the cross, lead them to truth, and speak the Gospel into them. Through God’s Word, you show them a better way to live. You show them how to live biblically.
We just scratched the surface here, but the goal of every believer should be to invest in people. Let me say this… YOU are my pride and joy. When I hear what God has done in your life through the Bible studies or how you are making an impact in your world because you are now walking stronger, living wiser, and loving deeper because of the Word that has gone out through my impact… this makes me so proud. Not proud in what I’ve done, but proud in what God is doing in your life.