Life and Faith Stages
The Legacy Summit that I am attending features some well known counselors, teachers and preachers from years past. All those I remember from my youth ministry days are now fellow grandparents. Last night we heard from Chuck Swindoll. Tonight we will hear from Gary Chapman and John Trent. Tomorrow Josh McDowell and Tim Kimmel are on the docket. Yesterday, I sat in on a session taught by Dr. Elmer Towns. He is a well known Christian educator and co-founder of Liberty University. His new wife has some Colorado connections.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.” 1 John 2:12,13 NIV
Although I have taught through 1 John in the past, this morning at the Legacy Summit, Michelle Anthony from David C Cook Publishers conceptualized John’s charge to children, fathers and young men in a way that was most helpful. I will use her outline with some of my own reflections. These concepts have application to natural families and spiritual families.
Children are receivers – “Your sins have been forgiven….” That speaks of salvation and receiving God’s gift of life and relationship. We see this in the next set of verses when John says, “I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.” (1 John 2:14 NIV)
Children receive care, attention and perhaps all too often can get used to that role. But loving parents do what they can to provide for their children what they need. The children don’t have to earn it, they don’t have to reciprocate, they are benefactors of love and relationship.
Young men are doers – John says, “you have overcome the evil one.” John repeats their victory in the fight when he says, “…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) Young men (fathers) are “fighting the fight and winning the battles.” Their focus is on providing for the family, teaching children, warding off that which would come against the family they have established. There comes a time, and it should be a progression, when children learn to move from being just “receivers” to being, “doers.”
Fathers (older men) are “knowers” – Twice John says to fathers, “you have known him is from the beginning.” This “knowing” speaks of experience, some history is reflected in these words. Those who know are to share with those who are “doing.” They are to encourage and provide strength and encouragement. They are to impact to the “receivers” to build faith, so that the “receivers” are prepared to be triumph “doers.”
A well rounded family and a well rounded church will have all of these stages of life and spiritual development, active and engaged. It becomes obvious the impact if just one group is present and dominating. As I get older, I realize the ease in which many “knowers” prematurely become in receivers. When that happens a vital resource is lost and potential is not realized.
These stages happen as part of spiritual maturity as well as the natural process of age. I am reminded of Paul’s words, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” (Galatians 2:20) Those who just “hear” are focused on receiving. But just a food is given to provide energy for living, God’s Word is to give spiritual vitality for “doing” the work of the Christian life. For fighting the fights and winning the battles we encounter.
When God’s plan for His people is “worked” there is health and vitality in both our natural and spiritual families. Wherever you are in life or your walk with the Lord there is a role and responsibility that applies to you.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for family. For our natural families and for your spiritual family. Allow children to receive what they need to be those who know Your forgiveness and relationship. Help young men (fathers), to be victorious as they commit themselves to their tasks and responsibilities. Empower “Fathers” (grandfathers) to share wisdom and experiences that will benefit the generations coming behind.