FOOD FOR YOUR JOURNEY
20 November
THE THREE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
(1 John 2)
God’s spiritual family is made up of Babes, Young Men and Fathers, and the first lesson is that we will not fully enjoy our Christian walk unless we make spiritual progress. The Apostle John highlights three definitive stages of development, which he lists as:
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Babes.
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Young Men.
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Fathers.
Babes
It is quite clear that extra care must be given to spiritual babes to help them grow and develop in their spiritual lives, because John devotes around 10 verses to babes, giving much more detail regarding their early stages of development. Just as Mothers and Fathers want their offspring to grow and develop into fine upstanding young people so it is with God. There is much to learn and the sooner they start the better. To enable the babe to make progress, God has provided all its needs. He has given everyone of us a Spiritual Instinct, because we instinctively know right from wrong. He has also given us the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. He has also given us His written Word, the Bible, which is The workshop manual of life, being, as it is, the very words of God Himself! He has also given us the amazing facility of Prayer through which we can enter into His very presence, and ask for help.
Young men
Some say this is where the trouble starts! Just as young people go through growing pains, it is no different during this stage of development. Slowly but surely responsibility can and should be passed on to the next generation. There will, however, be many temptations. The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye. The lust of the flesh appeals to the body, whilst the lust of the eye appeals to the soul and the pride of life appeals to the human spirit, and Satan will have every part of it if we let him have his way.
Resist the devil and he shall flee from you.
James 4:7
Note who must do the resisting!
There can be no doubt whatsoever that this stage of spiritual life is the most difficult for any young person. The pressures placed on our young people today are enormous and what’s more, they are relentless. Is it any wonder then that the Scriptures emphasise a strong grounding in the Word of God from a young age, because if it is not present when they are young, it will never be there when they are old.
Being strong in the Word, like most other things takes time, perseverance, effort and a desire to do what is right. It means sacrificing other ‘pleasures’ and even burning the midnight oil. The Apostle Peter hit the nail on the head when he said:
As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, so that ye may grow thereby.
1 Peter 2:2
Fathers
The title Father indicates full maturity both physically and spiritually. They have learned the lessons of life having been through the earlier stages and have put them into practice. Over years of obedience to God they have a deep personal knowledge of Him and have the wisdom to prove it. Their experiences and wisdom should be sought after and respected. Wise counsel and great maturity should be the order of the day, remembering that the Christian Community is a Spiritual Family, with God at its head followed by Fathers, Young Men and lastly babes.
Have you considered where you are in your walk?
Let us live lives that will be acceptable in His sight, and that we will not be ashamed of at His coming.
May the Lord, who is rich in mercy, bless you as you endeavour to live for Him and Him alone.