December 26, 2023: And Jesus Increased In Wisdom

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52, ESV)
 
People grow best when they plan to grow. Show me a person who is growing, and I will show you a person who has a plan to grow. In Luke 2, we find the story of Jesus being left behind in Jerusalem while his parents return to Nazareth. He was twelve years old and listening and asking questions in the synagogue. Luke writes, "and all who heard him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.”

How did this young man get this way? I am sure Joseph, knowing he was raising the Son of God, had a plan to ensure Jesus was well-versed in the scriptures. My father-in-law had a saying, "Blessed is he who aims at nothing, for he shall surely hit it." So many people go through life like that. They have no goals. They have no plan to grow. They are adrift on the sea of life.

In what ways would you like to grow next year? List five or six things you would like to grow in. Now, set reasonable goals for each item. Make them measurable. You have to be able to measure progress daily, weekly, and monthly. What tools will you need to fulfill your goals? Find yourself an accountability partner who holds your objectives and can regularly ask how you are doing. If you take these simple steps, you will increase in favor and wisdom with God and man. Be intentional about growing.