Growing and maturing is not a scientific formula. In many ways it is more art than science. We all know people that are well into adulthood and have not yet found maturity. Equally, I hope, you’ve had the pleasure of meeting a young person who is wise and mature beyond his or her years. Many such young people wander around these parts on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.
Paul challenged the church in Corinth (as well as you and me) with these words.
“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready…” 1 Corinthians 3:2
The image is simple enough to grasp. Our diet changes as we grow. It can’t change if we don’t.
Are you still on the same diet as a follower of Jesus that you were this time last year? 5 years ago? 10 years ago? Paul reminds us that we are to grow–and that includes the level of sophistication as well as simplicity of our faith.
The Recipe
We don’t know much about Jesus as a child or youth. What we do know we glean from our knowledge of 1st century Palestine as well as the few encounters in scripture. Luke 2, which begins with the birth of Jesus, is the only place we find depth regarding Jesus as a boy. Here Jesus hangs back in Jerusalem and finds communion with the Father. We certainly see glimpses of His earthly mother’s heart. We can also determine a general trajectory for Jesus’ life going forward.
Hidden at the end of chapter 2 we see the recipe that Jesus followed.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and statue and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52
Perhaps it is in shorthand, but there you have it. Here are the 4 ways that we can engage, every day, in our growth and maturity.
- What are you doing today to grow in wisdom?
- What are you doing today to grow in stature?
- How are you increasing your favor with God?
- How are you gaining the respect of others?
Our growth and maturity is wrapped up in these four things. Every day we are called to grow our wisdom and understanding. Every day we are called to care for our health and our bodies. Everyday we are called to do something that brings glory to our God. And everyday we are called help, serve, support, and/or honor our fellow sojourners.
Make A Plan
Invest some time today to develop a plan and strategy to help you in these four quadrants.
- Make a list of books you want to read
- Sign up for a Master Class online
- Learn to play an instrument
- Develop a healthy menu for the week for dinner
- Schedule time on your calendar to work out
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
- Sit in your car and pray for 1 minute before going to your next appointment
- Download the Bible App on your phone and start a reading plan today
- Share with a friend a Bible verse that blesses you and why it made you think of them
- Be kind
- Over tip your wait staff at lunch or dinner
- Help your neighbor with lawn care
- Write a note to you Sunday School teacher to say thank you
