Searching For Life Symmetry

Searching for life symmetry seems illusive. The quest for an ordered life. One that’s balanced and controlled. And perhaps, never will be completely. But here are four pursuits that will help.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.(ESV, Luke 2:52)

Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in wisdom

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight, (ESV, Proverbs 9:10)

The Hebrew word for “fear” is yirʾâh and denotes a sense of reverence. And “wisdom” is chokmâh, which refers to deep understanding and good judgment. In other words, wisdom is best attained by those who worship and revere God.

Jesus demonstrated this passion in his life. Luke 2:41-52 describes him as a 12-year old boy listening, learning, and asking questions of religious teachers in the temple. And he impressed them with his spiritual maturity.

All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (ESV, Luke 2:47)

Therefore, we grow in wisdom as we study. learn, and apply God’s word. Because wisdom is a combination of knowledge and discernment of God’s word. Along with the learned experiences of applying its truth to our lives.

Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in stature.

For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (ESV, Isaiah 53:2)

We can only speculate on Jesus’ appearance. Isaiah suggests he was not strikingly handsome in a way that drew eyes to him. But an ordinary looking Jewish man that blended into a crowd. And probably rules out the blue eyes seen in many Hollywood movies.

Jesus was likely strong and in good shape. Why? Well, first, he was a carpenter by trade. And scholars today, believe carpenters in that day were more like stone masons than the carpenters of today. Because stone was more plentiful than trees. So, lifting and carrying rocks was a greater muscle building workout than carrying two by fours.

Furthermore, Jesus ate a lot of fish and traveled by foot. So, as a 30-year old man during his ministry, he was likely relatively healthy and fit.

Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with God

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. (ESV, Luke 22:39-41)

Jesus also personally communicated with God through regular prayer. And some of those sessions were long and intense. Like for him, it was more than a religious duty. Or presenting a list of wish fulfillments.

He set a prayer life example for us to follow. To connect with our heavenly father eagerly, intimately, and regularly. And willingly invite his Spirit to examine our hearts. Who speaks to us on behalf of the father and intercedes on our behalf to him. Especially when we can’t find the words ourselves.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (ESV, Romans 8:26)

Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with man

Jesus miraculously healed the sick and lame. And this made him hugely popular in all social circles. He even saved a family from public humiliation when they ran out of wine at their daughter’s wedding. And simply whipped up a new batch of fine wine from barrels of water. But his favor with man was more profound than that.

Because he was an authentic source of truth. And a magnet of hope that drew and engaged individuals and crowds alike. Without catering to the crowd. Or ignoring the individual. And in such an unpretentious manner that he asked some to keep silent so he could avoid attention.

Furthermore, he offered equal opportunity to people of all ethnic groups and social classes. From chief priests and political rulers to the morally decadent and complete, social outcasts. He provided all his divine touch with a redemptive purpose that glorified God. And still does.

Of course, Jesus was also God in human form so we won’t reach his level of perfection. But the life of symmetry he demonstrated is one we should strive to follow.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.