Signs of natural and spiritual youthfulness
“I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” — 1 John 2:14 (NIV)
It should interest you to know that there is a striking resemblance between natural youthfulness and spiritual youthfulness. Many of the behavioural tendencies we observe in young people aged between 15 to 35 years can also be seen in young men and women in the Spirit—that is, those who are maturing in their walk with Christ but have not yet reached full spiritual maturity.
This comparison helps us better understand what John meant when he wrote to the “young men” in his epistle. Let’s explore how both natural and spiritual youth share similar stages of development—and how that insight can guide our growth in Christ.
1. The Childlike Stage: Obedient Without Understanding
In the early stages of natural growth, a child accepts instructions from parents or guardians without questioning. They trust blindly because they lack the cognitive capacity to analyze or doubt. “Don’t touch the fire,” a parent says, and the child listens—not because they understand the dangers, but because they trust the source.
Spiritually, the same pattern occurs. As newborns in Christ, we often take God’s Word at face value. We accept teachings without deep interpretation or questioning. This is good and necessary. Like Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
At this stage, believers are easily guided and are hungry to learn, but they rely heavily on spiritual leaders for direction, sometimes lacking the discernment to differentiate between right and wrong teachings.
2. The Youthful Stage: Strong, Energetic, and Inquisitive
As children grow into youth, there’s a significant shift. The teenager begins to question rules, test boundaries, and explore identity. They no longer accept things simply because “Mom said so.” They want reasons, proofs, and explanations. They start analyzing instructions critically.
Similarly, in the spiritual realm, young men and women in Christ begin to develop strong convictions. They are full of passion, zeal, and a desire to do something for God. They start to study the Word more for themselves, ask questions, and challenge what they previously accepted without examination.
Paul acknowledges this in 1 John 2:14: “You are strong, the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” At this stage, believers are developing spiritual stamina. They’ve gained enough knowledge of the Word to resist temptation and falsehood. They begin to walk in victory over sin and develop spiritual authority.
3. The Drive to Prove Themselves
One of the clearest signs of youth, both naturally and spiritually, is the desire to prove their worth. Young people want to make their mark, gain recognition, and be seen as relevant. They no longer want to be spoon-fed. They want platforms to express themselves.
Spiritually, this is the stage where believers begin taking on leadership roles, like preaching, singing, leading prayer meetings, evangelizing, and starting ministries. Their passion is commendable, but it’s also where pride, impatience, and sometimes competition can creep in.
Like the disciples arguing over who would be greatest (Luke 22:24), young men in the Spirit may struggle with ambition and identity. They can easily fall into the trap of comparing themselves with others, measuring impact rather than obedience.
4. The Struggle with Emotion, Rebellion, and Independence
Natural youth is also a time of heightened emotions, rebellion, and risk-taking. Teenagers are often unpredictable. They can swing from joy to rage, from loyalty to defiance. This is because they’re still navigating self-awareness, independence, and emotional maturity.
In the Spirit, this phase is not much different. Young believers may become overzealous and resistant to correction. They may think they know more than they do. Some may reject spiritual authority or become impatient with those who seem to move more slowly than they do.
This is why mentorship is crucial at this stage. Just like natural parents must guide their teens with patience and wisdom, mature believers and spiritual leaders must help guide the spiritually young, encouraging them, correcting them in love, and helping them stay grounded in humility.
5. Love for Adventure and Experimentation
Naturally, the youth love to explore new ideas, try new things, and break out of the familiar. They’re drawn to adventure, innovation, and even danger at times.
Spiritual youthfulness also seeks new encounters with God, new spiritual experiences, deeper revelations, and practical expressions of faith. They love bold steps of faith—missions, outreach, prophetic moves, healing ministries, and more.
This is a beautiful stage, but it needs wisdom and guidance to remain rooted in truth and avoid spiritual error. Many cults and doctrinal errors have been born out of ungrounded experimentation by spiritual youth with passion but little discernment.
6. The Importance of Guidance
Just as natural youth require patience, instruction, and accountability, so do spiritual youth. Without guidance, youthful strength can become a dangerous force. But with the right support, that energy becomes a powerful weapon in the hands of God.
In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul tells young Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example…” This shows that youth, when directed by the Spirit, can become a model for others.
7. The Goal: From Youth to Full Maturity
Ultimately, the goal is to grow beyond spiritual youthfulness into full spiritual adulthood—marked not just by strength, but by wisdom, humility, and fruitfulness. Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
This journey from milk to meat, from zeal to wisdom, from passion to depth, is a process. Recognizing the patterns of youth in both the natural and spiritual life helps us embrace the process of growth rather than rush it.
Finally, youthfulness—whether in age or spirit—is a season of discovery, energy, and potential. But it also comes with challenges. Understanding these parallels between natural and spiritual youth can help us mentor, disciple, and grow in grace with more clarity and purpose.
So when John says, “I write to you, young men,” he’s acknowledging a group in the Church that is vital, vibrant, and victorious, but still on the path to full maturity. Let us value this season, learn from it, and grow through it.
