Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.
Studies show that about 80% of people who lose their jobs do so, not for lack of technical ability to do the job, but for their inability to get along with their bosses, co-workers, and customers. While some have a hard time getting along with people, others carry an aura of warmth and attraction everywhere they go. Everywhere they go, they find favour with men.
Having people favourably disposed to you gives you a fair advantage in life. It helps you get more done, leveraging on the freely given friendship, experience and resources of others. There are two interrelated ways we can find favour with people: one, the fear of God. The Bible puts it this way, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). The fear of God will give you favour not only with God, but also with men. Two, kindness begets kindness. If we treat people the way we desire them to treat us, we will walk in favour with men. If we respect people and keep an eye out for the welfare of others, people will do the same for us. Proverbs 3:3-4 assures us that a life of mercy and truth will attract not just the favour of God, but also the favour of men. Jesus increased in favour with God and man because He lived to serve humanity.
Let us, emulate Jesus by committing to a life of service; to putting the needs of others first. In other words, create a rhythm of favour by showing kindness to others and enjoy a life of increasing favour. May you find favour with God and with men today and always, even as you commit to fearing the Lord and looking out for others, in Jesus’ name.
Memorise & Meditate:
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favour and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”
Prayer & Confession:
Help me, Father, today to fear You. Work in me to will and to do according to your good pleasure. Because I look out for others, I increase in favour with God and with man, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
