Stages Of Life

We as human beings are characterized by different stages or periods across our lifespan, and while individuals experience these stages in their unique ways, there are some commonly recognized patterns and challenges associated with different decades of life. Each decade of life brings a developmental task we need to complete in order to move forward in our lives in strength. If any of these tasks are not achieved, we move forward in life socially, psychologically or emotionally crippled, with parts of ourselves broken and fragmented. Some of these tasks have to do with productivity and our work in the exterior world; others are internal and very personal. But they are all universal human needs.  The Bible describes life as a journey with various seasons and stages, marked by both challenges and opportunities for growth. Scriptures emphasizes that God is actively involved in each season, shaping individuals for His purpose. While there isn't a single, definitive list of life stages in the Bible, it offers guidance on navigating different phases and understanding God's role in them. For examples as the Scriptures indicates: 1. Seasons of Life: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: Highlights that there is "a time for everything" – birth, death, planting, uprooting, etc. This passage emphasizes that life is not random but has a divine purpose in each season. Jeremiah 1:5: and Isaiah 44:24 show God's involvement even before birth, shaping individuals and their destinies.  2. Spiritual Growth: 1 John 2:12-14 This is a passage where the apostle John addresses different groups within the Christian community, emphasizing our unique relationship with God and their spiritual growth. He speaks to "little children" (new believers), "fathers" (older believers), and "young men" (those in between), highlighting their respective understanding of God and their ability to overcome the world. The passage essentially affirms the assurance of salvation for all believers, regardless of their stage of spiritual development. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) These verses speaks of putting off the old self and being renewed in the spirit, suggesting a continuous process of spiritual growth.  Throw off our old sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) renew your thoughts and attitudes (the spirit of your mind). Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 4. Guidance and Purpose: The Bible encourages believers to seek God's will in each season and to trust His plan, even when it's difficult to understand. Isaiah 43:19: offers assurance that God is doing a new thing, even in times of uncertainty. "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Romans 8:28: reminds believers that God works all things together for good." And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In essence, the Bible doesn't prescribe a rigid formula for life stages but rather provides principles and examples to help individuals navigate the various seasons with faith, wisdom, and purpose, trusting in God’s guidance through it all. Hebrews 5:12-14 These verses contrast those who are "babes" needing milk with those who are mature and able to digest solid food, again highlighting different stages of spiritual understanding.  “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” In other words we must continue practicing that which we have learned until it becomes apart of us through Christ Jesus. 3. Individual Development: Proverbs 13:24 (NLT) It speaks of different stages in life using imagery of a child, a young man, and an old man with wisdom, understanding, and comprehension. “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 These verses encourages young people to enjoy their youth while recognizing that their actions will be judged by God. It advises them to embrace life, but with an awareness of accountability. The passage emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and not being consumed by fleeting pleasures, as these choices have lasting consequences. (a) Enjoy life: Youth is a time for joy and exploration, and it's important to embrace these experiences.  (b) Be mindful of consequences: Every action has a consequence, and God will hold individuals accountable for their choices.  (c) Seek wisdom: It's crucial to learn from experiences and make decisions that align with God's will.  (d) Don't be swayed by fleeting pleasures: True fulfillment comes from living a life that honors God, not from pursuing temporary gratifications.  (e) Consider the long-term impact: While enjoying youth is important, it's also essential to think about the future and the legacy one wants to leave. And this is what I believe God has shown me through life is that; “Our youth is not just the future to come, they are The FutureNow. What we do for them NOW will determine WHO and WHAT they will become TOMORROW!” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) “Therefore since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." This verse encourages believers to strive for purity and holiness, motivated by the promises of God. It emphasizes both cleansing from defilement and the ongoing process of perfecting holiness. We must gain confidence in God words by practicing His words continually making them apart of our lives daily, calling those things that be not as though they were (Romans 4:17). And do this is through Christ Jesus, our Lord, Saviour and Great High Priest. Through Him we live, we move, we have our been to the glory of God almighty.