“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, father, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” - 1 John 2:12-14

Although it seems like John is repeating what he says here, he is merely trying to emphasize on the point he is making.

John uses the terms “children”, “young men” and “fathers” which may seem like he is dividing the church into these 3 age categories. But upon close reflection, it is clear that these are the 3 levels of spiritual maturity of a Christian.

1. Children: The ones who are newly added to the church; “whose sins have been forgiven”. On many occasions, John uses this word specifically to address the church collectively. We don’t see him do that for the other categories.

2. Young men: The ones who are younger in faith; who have been Christians for some time. These believers are “strong and have overcome Satan through the Word of God”.

3. Fathers: The ones who are spiritually mature; “who have come to know the Lord more”. They guide the others into achieving what they could over the years.

It is significant to note that Spiritual maturity is a process that often has little to do with our physical age.

So what stage of spiritual maturity are you in? Are you like children, like people who are newly added to the church, seeking after childish things? Or are you like the young men who are strong in the word of God, overcoming the world and Satan? Or are you in the category of the spiritual fathers who have come to understand the full extent of the love of God and walk according to His will?