Read Luke 2: 51-52
Do It Better Than Everyone Else.
At age 12, Jesus got in trouble with his parents when they were in Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. If you remember, they could not find him, and after 3 days they found him in the house of God. Mary confronted Jesus and his response was, “Did you not know I had to be in my father’s house?”
It says they returned to Nazareth and Jesus was “obedient to them.” Plus it says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.”
I like these two verses because it reminds me how important it is to be the best that we can be for the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
1. Jesus Grew In Wisdom. I feel we should always be striving to grow in gaining wisdom. The scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Having a healthy fear of the Lord instills within us a respect for the Lord God Almighty. We are driven to learn all we can so we can be wise, but then use that wisdom for the glory of God.
2. Jesus Grew In Stature. Jesus was concerned about his physical body. We should strive to be the best that we can be physically, so we should take care of our bodies. Gaining wisdom and taking care of our bodies is all done under the Lordship of Christ. Once we become obsessed with learning or obsessed with our physical appearance, we are close to having it become our god. When that happens it becomes unhealthy spiritually and unproductive for the Lord.
3. Jesus Grew In Favor With God. I see Jesus being one who loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. And all he does is out of obedience to the Lord. Holiness is his goal. Serving others is vital. Investing in God’s word is an ultimate priority.
4. Jesus Grew In Favor With People. If you accomplish “Growing in favor with God,” then you’ll naturally grow in favor with others because they’ll see a lifestyle like no other. You’ll love people better. You’ll work harder better than others. You’ll be obedient to your parents and your boss better than others. You’ll meet needs better than others, and so on and so forth.
So as you look at your life, where do you find your strength and your weaknesses? I love reading the Bible but I confess, people have challenged me to read other books to help me with gaining wisdom. Reading books is my weakness and so I feel I lack wisdom in a lot of different areas of life. I feel my strength is my pursuit for the things of God and His Word.
I pray the Lord will help me be faithful to his call on my life.
