March 17: “Focus on Growth in These Four Areas of Life”

6 Minute Read

Today’s Bible Reading:

Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Luke 2:52 (NLT) “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

It is interesting that Luke, a doctor, is the one who mentions how Jesus grew. It would seem that doctors, who are interested in health, would focus on such things.

But, Luke doesn’t simply make a general statement about Jesus’ health. He is specific and gives us the four areas in which Jesus grew:

• mental – “wisdom”
• physical – “stature”
• spiritual – “favor with God”
• social – “favor … with all the people”

Fantastic! We now have a list of the areas in which Jesus grew. This is transferable! We can use the same list to focus on our own growth.

So, let me ask some questions to get us focused on growth in these areas:

Mental

What are you doing to grow your mind? What books are you reading in order to gain knowledge in a particular area? What classes are you taking or seminars are you attending to gain understanding in a strategic area of your life? Who are you spending time with that you are learning from?

If there was one thing that you could learn that would have a profound, immediate impact on your life, what would it be? Why not consider how you can develop knowledge and competency in that area and then get started.

Physical

Your body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What are you doing to take care of your body so that it can remain healthy? Are you eating the right kinds of foods and only the amount that you need? Are you exercising? Do you have regular health check-ups?

What new habit could you develop that would positively impact (immediate and/or long-term) your health?

Spiritual

How are things between you and Jesus? Are you submitting to His authority over your life? Are you reading and obeying His Word (not just the parts you agree with)? Are you regularly repenting of sins and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing? Is there something that Scripture commands that you need to begin doing (or stop doing)?

Social

Are you pleasant to be around? Do people tend to trust you and hang around you? When you meet someone, do you spend more time listening or talking? Do you value each person you meet and see them as someone created in the image of God? Are there some social skills that you need to brush up on? (Consider reading John Maxwell’s book, “Winning With People.”)

In each of the four areas mentioned above, I have provided some questions. They aren’t comprehensive, but they will get you started. Just make sure that you are progressing toward health in each of the four areas in which Jesus grew: mental, physical, spiritual, and social.

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.