ROUNDED

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men – Luke 2:52

The Ordered Life is a ROUNDED Life. Christians are meant to follow the rounded life-pattern of our Lord Jesus Christ while walking on this planet. Luke 2 gives us a glimpse of how He lived out His life as a Man who pleased the Father always and in all things. He fulfilled His purpose and mission, leaving us an Example to emulate and identify with: “…everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Lk.6:40b). A rounded life is a process of perpetual learning and developing – physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (v.40). “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (v.46-47).

Jesus grew in Stature – Physical development. Stature refers to aspects of life such as lifestyle, appetites, behaviour, habits, nutrition and recreation. What’s your attitude to money and material possessions? Do they control you, or you them? Are material things your idol or just your tool? Is your sexual life under control or is it driven by TV and social media, through lustful suggestions and vulgar and sexually-explicit language in commercials and movies? How much do you exercise? Do you have adequate rest? An occasional change of pace in your routine can help to break the monotony of daily habits. Mind what you eat and drink in this junk food generation. Exercise; let your blood circulate well and your respiration pulsate with energy. Tame stress, which itself is always a product of inactivity and wrong diet. Maximize and balance your use of time.

Jesus grew in Wisdom – Intellectual development. He epitomized intelligence as He confronted the teachers of the Law. Those who wanted to test His mettle as a recognized Teacher of His day were amazed with His answers. He was knowledgeable in the entire Old Testament. He must have feasted greatly on the pages of the Holy Writ! How about you? Those who stop reading, stop learning, and stop growing. The two most influential factors in life are: the books you read and the people around you. Aside from the Scripture, what other books or literature are you reading? Charles Spurgeon said: “The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted; he who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains proves he has no brain of his own.” Readers are Leaders! Maintain a consistent study and reading program. Turn off the TV and set boundaries on Internet browsing.

Jesus grew in Favor with men – Social or Relational development. Maturing in our walk with Jesus should not isolate us from interacting with the unbelieving world. Jesus always came in contact with sinners to share, heal, teach, and tell about the Kingdom of heaven. He was branded to be a friend of sinners and the gluttons, and drunkards, and prostitutes and lepers (Mt.11:19). You can bring unbelievers to Christ without compromising the truth. You can live a life of unwavering faith not being tossed by winds of doctrines of men and the patterns of this world. What you receive from Jesus on making Him Lord and Savior of your life is the most potent authority in heaven, on earth, and even under the earth! Reach out to the world with your rounded life! They’ll notice the difference in you.

Jesus grew in Favor with God – Spiritual development. This last aspect of your personality should take priority attention: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt.6:33). It should not be compartmentalized, but integrated with every other aspects of life. You cannot fully develop in other dimensions -- intellectually, physically, and socially – if you are not making progress in your relationship with God. When Spiritual growth is given prime place, the rest would follow and fall wonderfully in their proper places.