Spirtual Growth

"And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One. -1 John 2: 14

Often, I look back on my spiritual life and I praise the Lord for how far I've come on this journey with Him. I praise Him for the grace He's granted me to continue in the faith. While in the presence of the Lord, I heard him direct me to 1 John 2. He highlighted the last part of verse 14. The entire verse addresses three different stages of a believer's spiritual walk. John addressed the "children". These are believers who are new to their Christian journey. This has nothing to do with age, but the state of their spiritual walk. For these believers, it is enough for them to know they've been forgiven for their sins. Because their sins are forgiven, they rejoice. They marvel at this fact because they think of their lives before Christ. He paid it all. Then John addresses the "fathers and mothers" of the faith. These believers are men and women of deep, long spiritual standing. They've been walking with God for a very long time. They have experiential knowledge of God where they experince a deep fellowship and relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Then there's the "young people". They are no longer children, but have not yet become fathers and mothers in the faith. The last part of verse 14 gives three components of spiritual growth for them: courageous faith (strength), loving the Word of God, and defeating the Evil One through their union with Christ. These believers are continuously growing in their faith. They are the believers who are sent out and are on the front line in this spiritual battle. Think of the natural military in the United States. The maximum age is 42, and the minimum is 17. We do not expect children to fight in wars naturally, so it is in the spirit. They need continuous support until they mature to a level where they can fight. Therefore, the 'young people' as John refers to them, know what it is to battle against satanic forces as partners with God. They stand strong in their faith and overcome the wicked one through the Word of God. It is their source of spiritual strength. During the days of John, the young men were known by the fact that God's word lived in them. They hid it deep in their hearts.

I praise the Lord for the grace that He's given me to stand firm in my faith. I praise Him for every battle won and every temptation that I've overcome. I thank Him for the experiential knowledge and the fellowship I have with Him, though I don't  consider myself a mother in the faith just yet. There's a subtle, almost incremental transition happening there. It may not be apparent for some time, but He's moving me from faith to faith. No matter where you are spiritually, keep pressing, keep rejoicing, keep pouring into others, keep winning your battles, and keep the Word of God treasured deep in your heart. 

Prayer

Father, we ask for your guidance as we seek to grow spiritually. Help us to understand your will and follow your path with wisdom and discernment. We seek to understand your will and learn from your scriptures. We thank you for your love, support, and protection as we grow spiritually. We want to experience true fellowship and relationship with you. Thank you for your grace on our journey of growth. Amen