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)
