Grow in Wisdom

I came across this one as I was looking for a good Christmas devotional. It talks about wisdom and uses Jesus as an example of what it really means to grow spiritually (mature as a christian). Having been back in Boston for a good 4 hours now, I think it's a "wicked good read", so I hope you enjoy (you really should come to boston sometime if don't know what i mean...).

-AMR ;-)

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Grow in Wisdom
by Reverend Dr. Henry T. Rhim

Read Luke 2:41-52

Luke 2:52 lets us glimpse the glory and the humility of Christ Jesus even as a young boy: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." As Jesus matured, he grew in wisdom and understanding of the nature of heavenly things and of his specific mission and purpose. Luke shows him confounding the minds of the teachers as he sat in the temple listening to them and asking questions. These learned men were astonished at his understanding of the Scriptures.

But as wise and mature as Jesus was, and though he was beginning to comprehend who he was and the scope of his mission, he humbled himself. When his parents scolded him for causing them to worry because he had been missing for several days, he submitted himself to their authority.

Christian maturity results in greater wisdom, but that is not cause for pride or arrogance. On the contrary, as we increase in wisdom, we realize that our strengths lie not in our abilities, but rather in the abilities of Jesus Christ who lives within us. As we study the Bible, we find that meekness and humility, as well as wisdom, are attributes of Christian maturity.

As Jesus increases our wisdom and our understanding fo him, our stature in life may be elevated; people may look up to us and rely on our wisdom. We may grow in "favor with God and men," but as Christian men and women, our strength and growth should be exemplified by meekness, humbleness, kindness, and forgiveness toward others. That is the true sign of wisdom.

Additional Scripture Readings:
Provers 11:2; 15:33
James 3:13,17