Jesus: An Example of Balance in Life

I was listening to a church lesson on Wednesday and loved how the teacher explained a scripture. It left such an impression on me that I would like to share it with you.

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." -Luke 2:52

This is one of the only scriptures we have mentioning the Savior's childhood years. I love that it mentions that he had to increase and grow too, just like all of us. What surprised me is when the teacher drew on the white board a diagram similar to the one below:

 

He then went on to explain that, as the scripture says, Jesus developed and grew in four areas:

 

1. Wisdom

2. Stature

3. Favor with God

4. Favor with man

 

We too must strive to grow in all of these areas. It is really easy to get fixated on one, however. For example, some people spend too much time in the "stature" area and focus mainly on their appearance or physical fitness. Some people spend too much time in the "favor with man" category focusing mainly on social outings, conversations, and text messages. Some people spend too much time seeking wisdom and don't interact with others as much as they should. I suppose you could even spend too much time in the "favor with God" category if you never helped or interacted with other people. The list of possible imbalances goes on and on.

 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was the perfect example of true balance in life. He served others, sought wisdom, kept his body healthy, and had a close relationship with God. I know that as we strive to keep our lives in balance, we will be blessed.

Sincerely,

Sal 

Bible Videos

As many alread know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been releasing new Bible videos since Christmas of 2011. I am so amazed at how well these movies are made. They portray the sacred events of the New Testament so simply, but yet so powerfully.

Many members saw the videos played in the 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional when they were released. However, lots of movies have been made since then that haven't been advertised quite as well. So, I just wanted to use this post to get the word out there that tons of new movies have been made, and they can all be viewed for free at biblevideos.lds.org OR http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng.

I highly encourage you to check out the website. All the movies use dialogue left as close to the King James Version of the Bible as possible. The graphics are amazing, and really help the stories come alive. These movies would be an excellent addition to Family Home Evening or scripture study. Here is one of my favorites. In this film, the story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ's clothing and was heald from her "issue of blood" is portrayed. I hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,
Sal

Spiritual Thought: He Is Risen

I have been thinking about some of the recent tragedy that has occurred in the world, specifically the recent earthquakes in Japan. I am sure you have thought of the heartbreaking tragedy too.

Now the Easter holiday season is upon us and I have been reading about the subject of The Resurrection. Here is a wonderful passage that really touched me regarding both the subjects of tragedy and Resurrection and I hope it will affect you as well.

"Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by his matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of Kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form.

Towering above all mankind stands Jesus the Christ, the King of glory, the unblemished Messiah, the Lord Emmanuel. In the hour of deepest sorrow we draw hope and peace and certitude from the words of the angel that Easter morning, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6)."

- Taken from This Glorious Easter Morn, by Gordon B. Hinckley, April 1996