Quick Start Guide

Jesus went with his parents to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival (I picture a county fair with donkey rides, dunk tanks, and fried dough). When the party was over and time to go home, without telling his parents, he hung back by himself to school a few of the older guys on the finer points of their religion.  A few days later, his parents noticed he wasn’t there, freaked out, and went back to Jerusalem to find him.  When they did, he explained what went down and joined them back home. 

"Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (Luke 2:51-52)

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. After coming home, he spent the next 18 years or so preparing for his mission, by focusing on all aspects necessary. He knew in order to succeed, he needed a well-balanced approach:

• Wisdom: He grew intellectually. He acquired a deeper understanding of all things. He was the expert.  
• Stature: He grew physically. He took care of his body, and his health and grew strong. He knew what was coming and made sure his body was ready.
• Favor with God: He grew spiritually. Constant prayer and deeper connection with God. 
• Favor with people: He grew relationally. He knew to have the greatest impact, he needed to connect with people.  

If we want to succeed in any area of life, it takes an intentionally well-balanced approach.

This is intellectually, physically, spiritually, and relationally. Any one of these gets left out and it's like driving with one flat tire. You may get somewhere but it won't be fast, it won't be pretty and things will get damaged.  

If these were the four areas Jesus focused on...well it seems like a pretty good guide for us as well. Take a step back and check your tires. Make sure you are putting air in each one consistently over time so they don't run flat. If you have been neglecting one, it's okay, today is a good day to get back on track. And take your time, consistency is key. It's a process not an event, but a start. The longer you wait, the more damage that's done.