God created us and the seasons in our lives to shape us and fulfill his plans for us (Ecc 3:1). Every season of life provides new learning experiences that prepare us for the next—childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and retirement—bringing varied opportunities and challenges for discipleship growth. Although life will always serve up a generous portion of unwanted change, there are times and stages in which we grow exponentially because we simply must pick up our cross, adhere to our faith, and follow Jesus one step at a time.
The season I am presently in has brought more spiritual growth than I could have possibly imagined; ways that pushed me to grow in trusting God for his strength. According to Scripture, every season is valuable, but certain stages in life bring situations that apply the most pressure to our souls for the greater outcome. With new levels of growth come new worldly temptations from evil. Yet, we must remain committed to the values of God’s Kingdom of Love—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit (Ro 14:17).
In our passage today, the aging Apostle John is writing his first letter to reassure believers, through all generations and in every season of life, to place their confidence in God and grow in their faith and love. Yes, John is the apostle we most associate with love. John challenges believers in all seasons of life to make a choice to love one another the way Christ loves us. To love difficult people means we need to lay hold of Christ’s strength, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Phil 4:13).
Remember, to love a person with God’s love is to want the Lord’s best for him/her; to help that person by speaking the Truth in love and sharing what we have learned in our relationship with God and through his Word. We seek to shine the Light of the Savior’s love for others, because the world puts up a fierce battle for control. A lust for sensual pleasure, power, and possessions attacks the soul of every human being; we must choose to love God more than self.
John wants us to understand the powerful pull of the world to draw believers away from living in God’s love. We must not allow ourselves to be vulnerable by loving the world’s ways—or the things it uses to tempt us—more than God. Ways to fulfill selfish worldly pleasure is on temptation’s table all the time; things that do not come from God or please him. However, may we crave the things of God more than anything the world has to offer. Eternal life is both a gift and a choice.
1 John 2:12-17 NLT
12
I am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.[through His name]
13
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14
I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life and for the ability to choose to grow in every season of life. We belong to you, Lord, and are grateful for the privilege to serve and honor your righteous plan for our spiritual maturity. Continue to make us strong disciples who faithfully live to please you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.