1 John 2:13 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.
Fathers are older and have experience. They have walked the walk a while. Yet fathers still need encouragement. They still need to keep in the light. They still need to show love. The previous context about loving one another and walking in the light is still in the background of this verse. We all know “cranky old men” and women who are hard to be around. They think the world revolves around them. They are set in their ways. They think the world should serve them. They may say they love, but by their actions, especially towards younger generations, it is apparent that they think about themselves mostly. There are significant challenges to overcome as one ages, especially in attitude towards others.
Different temptations come to us at different times of our lives. The evil one especially likes to pick on young people, especially people young in the faith, because the pull of the old life, the world, and sin is still strong upon them, especially because of hormones. Young people need the help of those around them in order to stay strong and walk in the light. John will soon turn to the topic of the danger of loving the world (v. 15). Our love must be focused on a different target, God and others, in a wholistic way that brings honor to God and honors.
Children are just developing their world views. They are being exposed to many new ideas and are choosing which of these ideas to follow and accept as their own. They are learning skills of discerning and decision making. At the top of the list should be getting to know our heavenly Father. We can know the author of light only if we walk in His light. The darkness can be enticing. It offers many empty promises, but at first, we do not know the emptiness of these promises. Children will be wise to choose the way of the light of the cross and not the enticing promises of the world.
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