Growing Stronger: The Third and Fourth Dimensions of Development

Luke 2:52 — And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The life of Christ illustrates the ultimate model for holistic growth. As our Saviour and Role Model, He laid the foundation of a perfect progressive life. He left an example in the fundamentals of Christian growth and development. His growth and development are an example to all those who are seeking true success in life.

1 John 2:6 — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Christ was connected to God the Father and He mingled with people for their own good. He was in favour both with God and man.

Those who follow Christ’s example will certainly find favour with God and humanity. There is no truth more important than to know that our development is in subjection to God’s will. Christ reached up and took hold of Divinity, and then reached down and touched humanity.

Partnerships

To produce a wholesome approach to life, it is most essential that we form partnerships with God and humanity. Christ had a close, intimate relation with God which earned Him Divine favour. He did not grow and develop in mind and body only, but His approval rating was perfect with God and man. Prayerful communication with God, and social interactions and fellowship with people, are ideal for true happiness.

Luke 2:52 explains the individual elements of growth and development in the life of Christ. These are core spiritual disciplines that are essential for practical Christian growth.

Knowing how to relate to God and understanding the feelings of others makes life most meaningful. The development of social interactions and relationships, shaping communication, sympathy and understanding in friendships, formed the foundation of the life of Christ from infancy through adulthood.

Christ developed an understanding of people, their community and their environment. He understood their way of communication and their actions, including how to deal with conflicts on a social level. He had discernment skills to recognise, understand and reason with those who are silently oppressed and are hurting.

He was ever conscious of His surroundings and allowed people to freely express themselves. We too can connect with God and allow the Christlike instinct and character to flourish and flow naturally to those around us.

Ask God to help you develop the right attitudes and behaviours towards other people in society. Christ was able to discern, understand and cherish values in others. He helped them develop strong moral and ethical principles such as honesty, integrity and impartiality. He helped them to cultivate true Christian virtues and to show Godly responsibility in all that they do.

Happy are those who imitate the example of Christ

• Those who increase in moral, spiritual, physical and social health.
• Those who are connected to God, temperate in body, and industrious among humanity.
• Those who find favour with God will increase in favour with people.

Proverbs 16:7 — When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Four dimensions, through every stage of a life

Luke records that Christ increased in four dimensions of personal growth and development.

• As a child He was obedient, compliant and industrious.
• As a youth He was a perfect role model, laying out the ultimate blueprint for youth through His obedience, wisdom and social interactions.
• As a young adult He was perfect in purity, sanctity and sanity.
• As an adult He was perfect in maturity, integrity and leadership.

Christ was sanctified in every stage of life, from infancy to manhood. Strong character, consistent growth and development. His values and principles guided many through His service, His commitment and His steady resolve.

Why this matters to us

The fact that Christ passed through various stages of growth and development in body, mind and spirit is of great significance to humanity. He was placed under moral, ethical and spiritual obligations just like us.

If Christ had a human body and mind like unto us, then there is no excuse for not succeeding in Him. If He was an infant, and did not sin, we all can do the same.

Hebrews 4:15 — …but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Christ lived in a depraved society but did not conform to it. He had a mortal body and a human heart, but did not corrupt Himself. He lived in a wicked and perverse world, with wicked people who had wicked intent, but they did not influence His behaviour nor impede His growth.

• If Christ was really a man, then there is no impossibility in humanity becoming perfect in this life.
• If Christ was really man, then God is able to keep all humans from sinning.
• If Christ was really man, then there is nothing to prevent our growth except as we resist Him.
• If Christ was really man and had to rely on God His Father, we must do the same.
• If Christ was really man, then His conduct is a proper example for all people to follow.
• If Christ was really man, then He is well qualified to live His life through us.
• If Christ was really man, who can be touched by the feelings of our infirmities, there should be nothing to prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Then humanity cannot act independently of Divine influence, and of growth and success.

Walk as He walked

1 John 2:6 — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Walk as He walked, in:

• Truth
• Righteousness
• Honesty
• Faith
• Salvation
• Bible and Gospel ministry
• Prayer

This is how to grow, develop, and be successful in life.

This perfect connection between Christ the Son and God the Father is the source of all true and enduring growth. Apart from God, true progress is impossible. We must come into fellowship with Him, be partakers of His nature, and have sweet fellowship with each other.

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This completes the four. Luke 2:52 names wisdom, stature, favour with God and favour with man. Read the first dimension on wisdom and the mind, and the second on stature and the health of the body.

To go further, The Sanctuary is the surest way to become acquainted with Christ Himself, and Getting to Know Jesus takes up Philippians 3:10 and what it means to know Christ personally rather than to know about Him.

If any of this raises something you would like to talk through, the team reads every message: ask a Bible question, or send a prayer request.