By
Allen White
“And
Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52 (NIV)
Over the next few weeks, we are going to focus on the four key
areas that were the most important in Jesus’ development: our relationship with
God, our relationship with other people, our physical health, and our capacity
for gaining wisdom. Now these weren’t just four random categories that Luke
records about Jesus’ maturity. In the Old Testament, we read that “the young
Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also
with man” (1 Samuel 2:26). The balance
between our body, soul and spirit is significant.
Our physical health impacts our emotional health. As I am writing
these words, I am experiencing the fatigue of having lost sleep because of an
emergency trip to the veterinarian last night with our cat. Then, I lost more sleep,
because I had to pick up the cat early this morning from the “ER” vet and
deliver him to the regular vet. With the help of sugar and caffeine, which are
incidentally poor substitutes for sleep, I am making it through the day. But,
I’m not feeling great physically or emotionally. So, I’m not evaluating my job
performance or anyone else’s today. I’m doing my best to avoid taking on the
cares of the world today. Tomorrow will be better, because my body will be
better rested.
Sometimes we make a mistake in thinking that our spiritual
relationship will “bail out” what lacks in other areas. “I’m tired, Lord, give
me strength.” “My marriage is strained. Lord, heal my spouse.” “I made bad
decisions. Lord, change my circumstances.”
This is why our spiritual growth has to be multidimensional. If
we’re tired, we need to go to bed earlier. If we’re struggling in a
relationship, we need to get some help in finding favor with that person. If
we’ve faced the same circumstances again and again, we need to reflect, consult
with others, and become wiser. And, yes, God is always there for us.
As we begin this new study, what is your greatest area of need?
Physical health? Growing close to God? Relationships with others? Gaining
wisdom? Ask God, right now, to help you see clearly what you should focus on in
the next six weeks.
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