LETTER TO A CHILD
Even at the end of his life, C. S. Lewis showed an
interest in the spiritual nurture of younger believers. Although in ill health,
he took time to respond to the letter of a child named Philip. Complimenting
the boy’s fine written expression, Lewis said he was delighted that Philip
understood that in the Narnia Chronicles the lion Aslan represented Jesus
Christ. The next day, Lewis died at his home in the Kilns, Oxford, England, one
week before his 65th birthday.
The apostle John, in his later years, sent a letter to
his spiritual children. In it we see the joy of a mature believer encouraging
his spiritually younger disciples to keep walking in the truth and following
Christ.
John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that
my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). Short by New Testament standards,
John’s letter demonstrates the joy that comes in nurturing and watching the
next generation’s spiritual growth.
Encouraging spiritual understanding in the next
generation should be the pursuit of mature believers. Sending a note of
appreciation, giving a word of encouragement, praying, or offering sound advice
can all be ways of helping others on their spiritual journey with God.
The journey is better with God who knows the way.
(RBC)
