Verse: 1 John 2:14
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.
Devotion
John is encouraging different ages in the church. Children (either chronologically or in years following Jesus) have a special understanding of the Father. Young adults are strong and follow God with fervor. And older Christians have the experience of "knowing him who is from the beginning."
Two questions for you to ponder:
1) Are you progressing in your faith? Do you feel like you are growing? As we follow Jesus, it really is a spiritual journey. As we folllow him we learn more about him and ourselves. We grow in faith. We grow in love. We grow in character. However, this isn't guaranteed. We have to spend the time with Jesus, and put the work in. Do you see this progress in your life?
2) Do you have "fathers and mothers" in the faith in your life? Who do you know who is older in the faith? Do you have any of them speaking into your life? This doesn't have to be a pastor or youth pastor. This could be any Christian who is older than you whom you respect in their faith. It's important for all of us to have people we look up to in the faith. Do you know anyone?
Maybe today God is using this verse to challenge you to lean into you faith more, to take it more seriously, to decide today to start growing in your faith. Take the challenge! God has more for you!