Have you been in a conversation when someone pleaded with you to “have a heart”? Maybe you have witnessed an adult “wearing her heart on her“ sleeve”. And if you’re fortunate, you have a friend with a “heart of gold”.
A quick search led me to seventy idioms about our heart. February is American Heart Month, with focus on cardiovascular health. Articles and advertisements give information on diet and physical exercise, challenging us to pursue healthy self-care.
February also marks another heart day-Valentine’s Day. Hearts coming at us on billboards, advertisements, and social media memes. remind us of a day of love.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 NIV
- Jesus grew in wisdom. He developed skills, made plans, and taught life-giving truths to individuals, groups, and large crowds. People listened and hung on to every word He spoke.
- Jesus grew physically. He grew from infancy to adulthood, meeting all milestones of maturity. He worked, rested, walked distances, and stopped for meals, prayer, and worship.
- Jesus grew in favor with God, obediently and effectively carrying out His ministry.
- Jesus grew in favor with man as He developed relationships with men and women. Thousands wanted to hear His teaching. People sought after Him as a source of physical and spiritual healing. An inner circle was privy to spiritual truth, and He socialized and ate meals in homes.
How do those examples guide us to develop wholeness?
Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT)
James 3 gives the difference between godly and earthly wisdom. Do our thinking, attitudes, and actions reflect God’s heart or appeal to our emotions and senses? Are we tempted to ride popular public opinion—or stubbornly hang on to our own?
When my daughters were part of a children’s choir, they sang a song about wisdom and defined it as seeing the world as God sees it- through His eyes and His standards. That’s what Jesus did and it’s a great guide to follow in decision making.
Next week we’ll look at three other steps toward wholeness, but for now, can you comment how healthy wisdom has benefitted you?
Knowing just a small bit of your testimony/backstory Ms. Marilyn, your email touched my heart instantly ma’am. Perhaps that’s the greatest thing about our hearts, is how God can fill it with His enduring and abiding love. And when He does, we can’t help but pour it out onto others. That’s what you do with each word you write dear friend. God’s blessings, and has a heart patient, I appreciate your turning a somber subject into one of encouragement and hope. God’s blessings ma’am.
Thank you J.D. Your generous words always reflect t your kind heart-an encouragement to me.
I look forward to Part II. God’s wisdom in all good. Thanks, Marilyn. God bless!
A wonderful message, Marilyn, and a great start on your series. Jesus is such a wonderful example for us–a heart full of love and a healthy lifestyle which exemplifies wholeness. I’m already looking forward to your next installment.
Thank you Katherine. Our heart in its many aspects-is our key to wholeness .
A wonderful lead in to a healthy heart that is full of God’s wisdom through Jesus. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn, I like that you pointed out how Jesus grew physically, in wisdom, and in favor. Sometimes we fail to perceive that Jesus also had to learn. He had God’s heart which is why He grew in wisdom. May we follow His example and grow in this holy wisdom.
Godly wisdom is one of the best gifts available to us! We only have to seek it and ask for it. Yet, it takes a while for the stubborn among us to learn and access this gift. Resolving to pray for wisdom daily.
Wonderful message Marilyn. I can’t wait for Part 2. Thanks for sharing it.
In a world where most desire to grow in popularity, you’ve given the right priorities shown in Jesus. Thank you, Marilyn.
Marilyn, I have been seeking wisdom lately so this was a timely message. Thank you for sharing.