“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
We’re all in different places in our relationship with Christ.
Some are considered children, having recently come to faith in Christ and growing in their knowledge of the Father. These believers are making their move out of the world, learning to renew their minds and change behaviors to match their new faith. They don’t necessarily feel like new creations, overcomes, or victorious, but they are stumbling closer to Him.
Others are considered young men, having developed the strength to say “no” to sin and yes to God. These believers have made strides in their relationship with Christ, portraying a level of discipline in prayer, reading scripture, worship, and meditation. They have taken strides to protect themselves from temptation, learn who God created them to be, and are determined to change the world.
Still others are called fathers, having developed a level of maturity and wisdom to see God’s fingerprints throughout their lives and calling others to a deeper faith. These believers have moved beyond an individual faith and expend their energies in mentoring and discipling others. They place an importance on helping others, digging deeper in their own faith, and portray a passion fueled through wisdom.
There are different levels in our relationship with Christ.
Different maturities in our faith.
No matter where we find ourselves, there is always room to grow.
Room to change.
Room to see a new aspect of who He really is.
We should never be satisfied in our relationship with Christ.
Our desire for Him should push us to grow from one level of maturity to another – overcoming our sin, studying scripture, growing strong in our faith, and helping others develop a deeper faith in Him.
And it starts with a practical step to change.
So, my brothers and sisters, as you journey with Christ, may you be burdened with a desire to grow. May you never be satisfied with your current relationship with Christ. And may you, as you take practical steps to grow, develop a bigger perspective of Christ.
What can you do today to develop a deeper faith with Christ?