We have a two-year old grandson whom of course, we think is the most beautiful grandchild in the world. After having him at our home without his mom and dad, we are always so amazed at how we have forgotten what it is like to have a little one around. I always wonder how did I ever have four children! But, I must admit that what I love about little ones is that they aim to please. Children want to do the right thing; they want to help, and they want to do what makes you happy and proud of them. I’m not sure at what age everything seems to change – But, my guess would be when they hit the age of adolescence. And, the closer they reach adulthood, the more it becomes about what they want and not what we want for our children.

In 1 John 2:1-17, St. John begins his letter saying, “My little children…” He is most likely writing to a congregation of new believers who are just beginning to hear the Word of God. They are ‘young’ in their belief in Christ. And, if you were to read the beginning of this book, John witnesses to have known Christ in the flesh – he has seen, touched, and witnessed the Lord Jesus! John knows Jesus Christ and is filled with the Holy Spirit. His Word is God’s Word!

John states that obeying Jesus’ commandments is the difference between walking in the Light as a Child of God, versus if we are to turn away from Jesus – we would be walking in the darkness. The Light gives us forgiveness of sins and keeps us from evil (v.12-13). And, how do we know when we live in the darkness? We love the world and the things in the world. The problem is that one day the world and the things in the world will be destroyed and pass away.

John wants us to be like little children who desire to please God and do the will of God. To do the will of God is to “walk just as he walked (v.6). And, there is a reward – We will live forever! (v.17).

Let us pray…Gracious God, we are your children who want to please you and do your will. But, sometimes it is so hard and we want to do things our way and not your way. Help us to keep our hearts young and full of the Light – going the way you walk. In your name we pray, Amen.