Wednesday, May 30, 2012

3 Stages of Growth - Part I

There are three stages of growth in the Christian's life.  Where are you?  We read in 1 John:



   “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 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. I write to you, 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 abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."  1 John 2:12-14


You see three different types of people that John is writing to.  God has something to say to you at every stage of growth in your life.  In other words you never outgrow your need for His voice.

Do you remember when you first experienced God?  I'm not talking about religious education, but when you first felt the touch of Almighty God.  That time when you KNEW that your sins were forgiven and that you were made brand new!  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I remember in college when I experienced God in a world-shaking way.  When I finally surrendered all of myself to Him and stopped playing games.  The joy was overwhelming!  I would walk around giggling like a freak show.  God's Word had come alive to me as I read it.  What was so wonderful?  As John says "because you know the Father."  To feel Him so near, to experience His Spirit, to have my eyes opened as if for the very first time.

Perhaps the cares of this life have drowned out the voice of His Spirit.  Perhaps the worries of this world have sucked out your joy. Spend some time today remembering what it is like to be a 'child' in His arms again.  For as much spiritual growth as we may experience, we should never truly grow beyond being able to experience the joy of being a child of the Father. 

To be continued...

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