Pursue Growth In These Four Areas

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 NIV

I’ve had times in my career where the work just seems to negatively affect everything else in my life, consistently. I’ve also had times where everything flourishes because what I wake up to work on every day was worth it.

Life is not compartmentalised. Sometimes we try to do this and that’s why terms like “Work-Life Balance” have come to stay. In other words, work can be gruesome, but it should not affect how other parts of my life flourish. I’m not sure how possible that is.

I know when my growth is stunted, the same way you do too. When I recognise this, the first question I ask is, “Why?” Many times, the reason is that one aspect has been exalted so much perhaps due to expectations, personality traits, or other factors, that it dwarves everything else.

For example, the work you do helps you experience massive physical growth such as an increase in finances, possessions or experiences, but it doesn’t bring you closer to God.

Or you’re so keen on increasing your prayer time or spiritual service for the purpose of spiritual growth that it negatively affects your output at work, you alienate everyone around and your knowledge only revolves around Bible stories.

These two scenarios show growth in one aspect but a deficiency in others. Sometimes, we try to convince ourselves that the compartment we’ve chosen to focus on is the most important. But when some needs arise and you realise that you don’t have anyone around you due to low levels of association and networking, you’ll feel bad that your level of favour with men is almost non-existent.

Jesus consistently experienced growth in four areas which allowed him to wield influence and make a massive impact through his work in a very short time.

• He grew in wisdom (intellect)
• He grew in stature (physical)
• He grew in favour with God (spiritual)
• He grew in favour with man (association)

Yes, the Holy Spirit can teach you all things, but he also brings to remembrance things you already know. God can supply all your needs but sometimes to do that, he uses someone you have a relationship with to help you.

Desire and pursue growth in all aspects, and you’ll feel different about life.