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When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was on him (Luke 2:39, 40,NLT).
Compare these two verses with verse 52.
"Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people."
Jesus grew up. He grew up "healthy and strong." There are five characteristics of his well-being mentioned here or assumed from what is stated. Jesus grew healthy and strong
This is a good time to review this year's growth and progress in each of these areas. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, in each of these areas. Honestly assess where you are compared to where you would like to be.
Think about the areas that are most important in relation to the others in keeping you healthy and strong. Consider whether you have a critical weakness in any of these areas. What immediate steps should you take to strengthen the area? Whose help do you require?
First things first, I pray about these five areas for myself and my family each week. There is a handy acrostic to help me remember these five areas: PIERS.
Most people think about New Years' resolutions this time of year. Most people who make them see them bite the dust before they get halfway through February. Then they wait a whole year before trying and failing again. Let's try something different together.
Instead of annual goals, let's set quarterly goals. What is the most important thing you need to do in the next 90 days that will strengthen you to live a life that honors God and serves others? This does not mean you will ignore the other four areas mentioned here. When we strengthen one area, we tend to strengthen the others as well.
Accountability helps us stay focused. In a book entitled, The 12 Week Year, the authors give us a positive spin on that word which is often received negatively. They say accountability is a promise I make to myself which I ask others to help me keep.
My friend Dave Rhodes puts it this way: "How can we help me become all God wants me to be?"
If you or I are only 80 or 90-percent successful in hitting our 90-day goals, please understand that this is a win. We are still well ahead of where we are now.
Our Father, I want to practice good stewardship of the body you have given me. I want to live a strong and healthy life that honors you and serves others. Give me the healthy habits I need to succeed. Empower me to live with self-discipline that will keep me focused on the right things and self-control that will lead me away from the wrong things. Amen.
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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