After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.

~1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT

When my two daughters were young, I attended all the group presentations in which they participated. I took note of the other parents. When their child was next to do a solo or recitation, the parents’ anticipation rose. Shortly, they were out in the aisle taking a picture.

The Single Blessing

My expectancy also peaked when one of my daughters was next to do her thing. I, too, jumped out into the aisle to take their picture. If she remembered her lines, she was smart like her mom and dad. If she forgot them, she was cute. It was a no-lose situation. She did not have to be good because she was mine.

Thessalonians is Paul’s letter to the church he had birthed by God’s grace. This letter drips with Paul’s parental love for those who had come to know Christ through his ministry. Paul uses the imagery of a loving mother. God had brought these children into the Kingdom of God, but Paul loved them like his own.

The Double Blessing

When we reach heaven, we will receive a double blessing: God’s presence and a feeling of righteous pride about those we introduced to Christ.

Whether we have been a preacher, teacher, encourager, comforter, loving parent, or just an example of Christ-like living, we either plant, water, or witness the harvest. Regardless, the reward is the same.

Nothing done for Christ is ever done in vain. Those you lead to Christ will be your trophies and source of pride and joy.

Be intentional about pointing others to Christ.

Father, place those in my path whom You want me to point to You. In Jesus’s name, amen. 

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: A Double Blessing: Ken Barnes: All Rights Reserved.