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Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
Far too many people hardly change, except for the kind of change that is natural and inevitable. They get older, maybe fatter, and eventually greyer. It is rare to find someone who intentionally develops themselves so they become much more healthy and competent as the years progress.
If we are to make the most of this life that God has given to us, then we must focus on healthy growth with intentionality. We must determine what areas we will focus on and what “health” looks like in those areas.
But then comes the problem: what areas should we focus on?
Luke 2:52 helps us realize that at least four areas of our lives need our attention. Jesus grew in those areas, and so must we. So, let’s talk about them.
We Must Grow Mentally
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom …”
Sometimes, we distinguish between “knowledge” and “wisdom.” But it wasn’t so clear-cut in biblical times. Wisdom often included knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge, ultimately to live for the Lord.
What plans do you have to grow in knowledge and the application of that knowledge? I would encourage you to consider what areas of your life could improve if you learned more about them. Then, glorify God with your mind by using it to learn. Then, ask His Holy Spirit to help you cultivate the ability to rightly apply that knowledge to live a life worthy of your calling as a child of God.
We Must Grow Physically
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature …”
“Stature” can mean “height” or “age.” However, since the other three things (wisdom, favor with God, and man) require intentionality and progress, it doesn’t make sense that “stature” would simply refer to something Jesus had no control over. This word seems to be used to speak of his overall physical growth.
So, what needs improvement in your physical well-being? Are you overweight because you are eating too much or the wrong kinds of foods? Are you getting sufficient exercise? Are you getting enough sleep? Is stress and anxiety a problem for you? Etc., etc., etc. Focus on one area of your physical well-being and determine, by God’s grace, to move toward health in that area. When that area of focus becomes a habit, add another area of your physical well-being in which you will strive for health.
We Must Grow Spiritually
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God …”
As New Testament believers, we understand that it is ultimately Jesus who brings us into favor with God. It’s all grace.
BUT … the Christian life essentially recognizes that we have been made righteous in God’s eyes as we rest in the finished work of Jesus. So, our duty, relying upon God’s resources, is to act like who we are.
We are righteous in Christ, so we should act righteous. Unfortunately, we often don’t act like who we are in Christ.
What areas of your spiritual life need attention? Are you enjoying God? Are you disobeying Him in some area? Ask the Lord to help you as you determine to kill sin in your life and plant the flag of Jesus’ kingdom and righteousness in that area of your life.
We Must Grow Relationally
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
It is interesting that when God created Adam, he was in a perfect Garden, in a perfect world, in a perfect relationship with His God. Yet, in that condition, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone.” From that, we understand that we need more than a vibrant relationship with God. We need relationships with others, too. That’s why Jesus gave us not one but two Greatest Commandments (love Him and love others).
How are you doing in your relationships? Is there a relationship that has gone south because of something you said or did? Is there some relationship that you need to mend or pursue? Ask God to help you apply biblical principles in this area of your life.
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you assess your mental, physical, spiritual, and relational health.
- Ask God to help you focus on a few key areas and prayerfully determine how you will grow healthier.
- Ask God to give you the grace to fulfill your desire to grow in areas that glorify Him.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into what “wisdom” and “stature” mean, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“What does it mean that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52)?”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 