Growth. For children we measure it with marks on a wall or doorway. For adults it's reluctantly measured in pounds on the bathroom scale. Intellectual and professional growth is measured by degrees and awards.
A key life priority is balanced growth in essentials. Consider what is recorded of Jesus' growth:
"The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him ... And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:40,52)
Even though Jesus was and is the Son of God, I don't believe that growth in these areas just happened. Physical growth and strength requires proper nutrition, exercise, and hard work. Growth in wisdom requires deliberate application of knowledge. Favor with men requires careful cultivation of relationships and social graces. Growth occurs through deliberate effort.
In response to Jesus' commitment to growth in key areas, "the grace of God was upon Him". Apparently God really does help those who help themselves. And that commitment to balanced growth coupled with God's grace resulted in even more productive growth: "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
A commitment to balanced and disciplined growth is blessed with the grace of God. Attention to nutrition, exercise, Bible study, prayer, and personal relationships are all subject to the favor and blessings of God.
It is interesting that the qualifications of church elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3) largely revolve around these key growth areas characteristic of Jesus. Leadership is much more about who we are rather than what we do.
The challenge before us today is to assess our personal growth. Am I growing in the key areas that God desires? Is there unproductive growth that needs pruning? How can I better participate with God so as to most fully experience his grace and favor?
May the building of Christian character be an especially rewarding experience today.
Steve
A key life priority is balanced growth in essentials. Consider what is recorded of Jesus' growth:
"The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him ... And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:40,52)
Even though Jesus was and is the Son of God, I don't believe that growth in these areas just happened. Physical growth and strength requires proper nutrition, exercise, and hard work. Growth in wisdom requires deliberate application of knowledge. Favor with men requires careful cultivation of relationships and social graces. Growth occurs through deliberate effort.
In response to Jesus' commitment to growth in key areas, "the grace of God was upon Him". Apparently God really does help those who help themselves. And that commitment to balanced growth coupled with God's grace resulted in even more productive growth: "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
A commitment to balanced and disciplined growth is blessed with the grace of God. Attention to nutrition, exercise, Bible study, prayer, and personal relationships are all subject to the favor and blessings of God.
It is interesting that the qualifications of church elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3) largely revolve around these key growth areas characteristic of Jesus. Leadership is much more about who we are rather than what we do.
The challenge before us today is to assess our personal growth. Am I growing in the key areas that God desires? Is there unproductive growth that needs pruning? How can I better participate with God so as to most fully experience his grace and favor?
May the building of Christian character be an especially rewarding experience today.
Steve
posted by steve @ 6:58 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home