Eternity Will Tell

Nº 312

July 23, 2024

One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. ... Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word. - William Barclay

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a lady who worked for me as a summer camp counselor in 1976 and 1977. Though we had not talked in over 40 years, she tracked me down to tell me that her granddaughter was currently a camper at our old camp.

Her email was filled with encouragement. She told about one of her campers (now 53) locating her and thanking her for explaining the Gospel that changed her life. She shared about her own decades of ministry service. And she was excited that her granddaughter was benefiting from a legacy she had helped establish.

Joy filled my heart!

The Apostle John outlived his fellow disciples. Near the end of his long and eventful life, he wrote a very short epistle, but he penned a verse that came to mind as I read my recent email. It gives me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth. (2 John 4)

We do not serve God and others to receive affirmation, but it is a joyful byproduct that appears from time-to-time. Take the initiative. Thank someone who contributed to your spiritual development, and bring joy to their heart.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries