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.
