Ephesians 5:8,9
“for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light”.
We are to walk as children of light. To walk refers to our manner of life. How do we manage our lives? What are our attitudes? I John breaks down our lives in three areas, little children, young men and fathers. Of course the genders are neutral. We walk differently in each stage. I believe these are spiritual stages. They may correspond to actual ages, but don’t always.
The little children stage is referring to young in the faith. I John 2:1 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” When we accept Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins. However, being new in the faith, we get surprised that we stumble and sin again. We begin to grasp that God is gracious and continues to forgive.
As those young in the faith walk in the light, forgiveness and grace are big themes. I can recall feeling much condemnation during this period. I didn’t understand God’s grace. As I began to learn of His grace, there was much release.
The next spiritual phase is that of the young man. I John 2:14b says, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” These are those in their teens and twenties in the faith. They are strong and engaged in warfare with the devil. There is temptation and they look to the Lord to overcome. There is sharing of faith, engaging in conversations about God. We pray for these to come to Christ.
As these young men walk in the light, there is much pleading to God for help to overcome. There is much prayer for eyes to be opened as Christ is shared. It’s very active.
The last spiritual phase mentioned by John is that of Fathers. I John 2:14a says, “I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning”. I picture an old, wise saint who has walked with God a lifetime. He’s content and happy. He’s unsettled by life’s drama. He has time for others. John sums it up by saying they know God.
When one knows God, He is at peace. He knows He’s forgiven and that God isn’t pressuring Him. He knows that God provides. Whatever difficulties are present, God will resolve them. He has taken to heart Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
When those in the father stage walk in the light it’s not hurried. There is peace and joy as they are walking with God. His cadence isn’t urgent. He will encounter needs along the way. God provides and we move on.
Lord, thank You that You walk with us in the light. Thank You that You bring us through all the stages: the little child, the young man and the father stage. You have been so patient in Your provision. Thank You