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Balanced Living

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."¹

In other words Jesus developed intellectually, physically, spiritually and emotionally; that is, he grew to become a whole, healthy and well person. God's goal, I believe, is for you and me to do the same.

The reality is that only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, attitudes, actions, behaviors, and our relationships be wholesome.

When it comes to relationships—especially romantic relationships—most of us want someone who is healthy and whole to be attracted to us. But unless I am healthy and whole, a healthy and whole person won't be attracted to me.

Furthermore, in relationships two halves don't make a whole. Relationships are like multiplication: one-half multiplied by one-half equals one-quarter, while one whole multiplied by one whole equals one whole.

Only whole people find wholesome relationships, and only happy people make happy relationships.

Wholeness is available to all who want it. But only those who truly want to be made whole—and are willing to pay the price—will be. The choice is up to each one of us. Jesus' invitation is open to all.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, with your help I choose to be made whole. Please show me what is my responsibility—what I need to see, hear, and do—and please give me the courage to do it. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 2:52 (NIV).

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