Growing Like Jesus

“Begin with the end in mind,” wrote Stephen Covey in his best selling book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

The concept behind Law #2 is having a clear picture of what success looks like. Of understanding your destination. Of visualizing where you will be and what your life will look like.

Spiritual growth can be best understood and visualized by looking at the life of Jesus. After all, discipleship is all about becoming like Christ. Following his footsteps. And being conformed to His image.

Growing like Jesus can be summed up in one verse found in Luke 2:52 when he was 12 years old. “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

This verse speaks of four areas of Jesus’ growth: Mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. While we could profit from thinking about our physical growth in a Biblical context, let’s explore the other three in this short post.

First of all, it’s important to note that “increasing” involves growing. It speaks to moving forward. Making progress. Advancing. And developing. This reminds us of Jesus’ humanity. Not all of his traits can be attributed to his Divinity. From age 12 to 30, Jesus grew as a human being.

Growing in Wisdom

Wisdom involves mental and intellectual development. It includes insight, skill, understanding, and knowledge, but it’s more. It’s the application of knowledge.

Jesus’ wisdom was not earthly, but heavenly. Not worldly, but spiritual (Jas. 3:27). The wise man reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it also is the “beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1;7; 9:10). The world’s wisdom will not grow the spirit. Nor nourish the soul. Neither will it point us to the heavenly goal.

Growing in wisdom calls for us to read, study and imitate the character of Christ. To learn and apply the Sermon of the Mount. And immerse ourselves in the principles and precepts of the Word He revealed to us via the Holy Spirit.

Are you growing in wisdom?

Favor with God.

The word “favor’ is “charis.” It’s found 155 times in the New Testament and is most often translated “grace.” Vine says it speaks to a gracious disposition. It involves pleasure and acceptance. Trent suggests it signifies something of beauty or graciousness.

Jesus’ character, attitudes, and actions provided pleasure for the Father. In fact, He said, “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

Finding favor with God begins by reciprocating His love. That’s the first great commandment. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Loving God calls for selfless service. Complete adoration. And total commitment.

Finding favor with God is life time endeavor. We are ever striving to grow in grace, develop godliness, and seek those things that are above.

Favor with Man

It’s clear that our growth in spiritual wisdom and Godly favor, does not ignore growing in our relationships with others. Jesus’ enunciation of the Golden Rule (Matt 7:12) and the Second Great Commandment (Matt. 22:38-39) speak to the importance of getting along with others.

While Jesus’ had his detractors and enemies, the Bible says “the common people heard him gladly” (Mk. 12:37). His methods, message, and manner was delightful. People were attracted to Jesus. He wasn’t a sour puss, with a negative attitude who rubbed everyone the wrong way.

Yes, there were times when His message was hard to hear, and even “”offended” some people. But a comprehensive study of Jesus’ life depicts a personality that people admired, appreciated and were drawn toward.

If we are to truly be “the light of the world” and “the salt of earth,” we must develop relationships with others where people see Christ in us.

IF Jesus is really our example, shouldn’t we be growing in wisdom? In favor with God? And in favor with man?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman