Growing in Wisdom and Stature

Some thoughts as you begin to listen . . .

Scripture tells us plainly that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). From this simple description of truth, we are able to confirm the concept of growing to maturity in our physical bodies, our relationships with people around us, and our spiritual understanding.

The Apostle Paul reiterated this concept in I Corinthians 13:11, as he explained: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." Other Scripture references to periods of growth in our lives which demand careful attention include Peter’s analogy that newborn babes desire the milk of the Word (see I Peter 2:2) and Paul’s reprimand that he should not have to give milk to mature believers who ought to be able to digest the strong meat of doctrine (see Hebrews 5:12-14).

The observations and suggestions shared in the Growing in Wisdom and Stature workshops are not intended to build a psychological framework for your teaching. By no means would we suggest that "going through a stage" excuses sin or that allowances for wrongdoing are required at given times. What we do want to share is that certain periods of growth provide the "window" for specific training opportunities so that the building blocks of discipline may be carefully crafted in a child's life. As parent/teachers we want to build a solid foundation, adding "line upon line" and "precept upon precept" until the child becomes a "vessel unto honor" for the master’s use, prepared for every good work (see Isaiah 28:9-13 and II Timothy 2:21).

Though age designations have been given to each "stage" of growth, please remember that we are addressing tendencies and that no two children would be described by all the characteristics listed. Nor would the children who do exhibit the traits cited manifest them at precisely the moment of their birthdates into the next "stage." These realities make creativity worthwhile and allow us to depend on our Heavenly Father for His direction.

May God bless you richly as you strive to rear the Shadrachs, Meshachs, Abednegos, and Daniels so desperately needed in our society today: "Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans" (Daniel 1:4). These are the young people who will make a difference in our very needy world.

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