OH, TO BE YOUNG AGAIN!
I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14 (NIV)
Oh, to be young again! What would it be like to go back in time and mentor your younger self? For me, it would be my early twenties. I lacked the guidance of an earthly father and made mistakes. I look back and see a young man in me with little to no spiritual maturity.
In 1 John 2:14, what was John trying to say about age? He mentions Children, Young Men and Fathers. Is he referring to age in years or age in faith? I think maybe both. I'm very blessed to have a great circle of friends. Some are just starting college, while others are enjoying the spoils of retirement. It's safe to say I probably wouldn't ask my college-aged friends for retirement advice, nor would I ask my older friends about current pop culture. Now, let's look at the same circle of friends and how it relates to being young in faith. I came to Christ later in my adult life, and I needed guidance. Some of my biggest influences were friends who were much younger than I was, but further along in their spiritual walk. Just as we are at different ages, we are also at different levels of spiritual maturity. This is where age in years becomes less important.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) says: Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. This is great news, because even if you're young in your faith, you have an important role in the kingdom of God. Our King is kind, showing us grace at every stage of the journey. In this case, He is calling men (and women) young in their faith to keep going! We need you too!
APPLICATION: Make time to grow spiritually. Reading in the Word, praying and fasting are all great ways. Make quiet time for God. Sit in the silence and listen for His Spirit to guide you.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your grace—something I don't deserve and could never earn. I pray that You would continue to mature me through Your Spirit. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?