Never Stop Growing!
In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:41-52), we witness a remarkable account of the young Jesus growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people. As Senior Pastor Tyrone Perkins delves into this narrative, we extract invaluable lessons on how we, too, can emulate this growth in our lives.
Growing in Wisdom (Intellectually)
Jesus, at an early age, demonstrated a profound commitment to studying the Word of God. He engaged with the teachers of the law, answering their questions and posing his own. This underscores the importance of Bible study in our lives. If it was a priority for Jesus, the Living Word, it should be a priority for us. Pastor Perkins urges us to actively participate in midweek Bible study to grow in wisdom collectively.
Growing in Maturity (Physically)
Drawing a parallel to Jesus' physical growth, Pastor Perkins emphasizes the significance of growing in maturity. While Jesus took care of His physical health, we are encouraged to take on more responsibility and mature in our faith. Stagnation is not an option; instead, we should actively seek growth in our responsibilities and deepen our faith journey.
Growing in Favor with God: Spiritual Growth
Jesus was found in His Father's house, dedicated to the things of God. This serves as a reminder for us to grow spiritually through prayer, engagement with the Word, worship, and service. It's not sufficient to merely attend church; personal and corporate involvement in God's Word and prayer life is essential for spiritual growth.
Growing Socially: Building Meaningful Relationships
Intriguingly, Jesus not only fit in with His relatives and acquaintances but engaged in conversations with teachers of the law. This challenges us to grow socially, breaking out of isolation and engaging with people. Pastor Perkins underscores the importance of being approachable and willing to share the truth, emphasizing that, just like Jesus, we are called to reach the world.
The Call to Never Stop Growing
In a powerful conclusion, Pastor Perkins leaves us with a resonating message: never stop growing. Regardless of our current knowledge or experience, there is always more to learn and practice. The challenge is clear—to continuously seek growth in wisdom, maturity, spirituality, and social engagement.
As we reflect on the growth goals of Jesus, let's internalize the call to emulate His journey, never allowing ourselves to become stagnant but always seeking growth in every aspect of our lives.