Luke 2:52
"Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and and with all people."
Christ grew and experienced health in four areas. I call this the 252 Health Matrix because all four dimensions are mentioned in one verse: Luke 2:52.
Question: If Christ was God incarnate, how could he grow in wisdom? Click here for an explanation.
My intention for this blog is to help all people, especially those who have struggled with depression, experience more of the "fullness of joy" spoken of in the Bible (John 15:11). A holistic approach to health, that increases our ability to enjoy life, must include a strategy that encompasses all four areas in the 252 Health Matrix. Our outlook and mood are affected by our level of well-being in each quadrant of the 252 Health Matrix.
Stature (Physical Health)
If we are not well and balanced physically, our mood and outlook suffers. Nutrition and consistent cycles of exercise and rest are essential elements of emotional health. Do you get grumpy if you are hungry? Are you crabby when you don't get enough sleep? Conversely, are you in a better mental state after moderate exercise? Here are some helpful links on key points to consider:
Balanced Nutrition
Physical Exercise
Rest/Sleep
Every person's optimal level of physical wellness will differ due to genetics, illness, injuries, etc. The effort we put into achieving our personal, physical optimum generates a greater internal sense of wholeness.
Wisdom (Cognitive Health)
Cognitive (definition) Having to do with thought, judgment, or knowledge.
Stature (Physical Health)
If we are not well and balanced physically, our mood and outlook suffers. Nutrition and consistent cycles of exercise and rest are essential elements of emotional health. Do you get grumpy if you are hungry? Are you crabby when you don't get enough sleep? Conversely, are you in a better mental state after moderate exercise? Here are some helpful links on key points to consider:
Balanced Nutrition
Physical Exercise
Rest/Sleep
Every person's optimal level of physical wellness will differ due to genetics, illness, injuries, etc. The effort we put into achieving our personal, physical optimum generates a greater internal sense of wholeness.
Wisdom (Cognitive Health)
Cognitive (definition) Having to do with thought, judgment, or knowledge.
Our cognitive development happens through observation and information (data). We observe those around us, parents and caregivers, peers, extended family, teachers, media personalities, etc. These observations shape our patterns of thought.
Intentional intellectual development (schooling, reading, media) is the other avenue of cognitive formation.
Our thought life can get warped over time. The Bible teaches that all of us need to experience the "renewal of the mind," (Romans 12:2). Our perception of the world and of ourselves can change for the better through the teachings of Christ.
Click Here to see yourself through the lens of Christ's teaching
Favor with People (Relational Health)
Favor with People (Relational Health)
Relational health is achieved when we are making decisions that produce positive effects (blessings) on us, those around us, and bring glory to God.
Our relational health creates opportunities (atmosphere) for healthy and productive relationships with others.
Some characteristics of a relationally healthy person are:
Our relational health creates opportunities (atmosphere) for healthy and productive relationships with others.
Some characteristics of a relationally healthy person are:
- Understands personal worth and value
- Does not manipulate or pressure others
- Communicates assertively but respectfully
- Listens receptively
- Genuinely cares for others
- Considers others when making decisions
- Supportiveness
- Possesses healthy boundaries
Favor with God (Spiritual Health)
Spiritual health is achieved through entering an ongoing relationship with God.
Click here for what Jesus taught about entering this relationship
Spiritual well-being is achieved through practices that strengthen our connection with God and make us sensitive to His leading. These spiritual exercises include:
Click here for what Jesus taught about entering this relationship
Spiritual well-being is achieved through practices that strengthen our connection with God and make us sensitive to His leading. These spiritual exercises include:
- Prayer
- Solitude
- Collective Worship
- Engaging God through Bible Reading
- Reflection and Journaling
- Secret acts of service
- Quick confession of sin
- Fasting
- Giving
- Sharing Love and Faith with Others
Please share your own thoughts or questions in response. Thanks!
Father,
Help us grow and become healthier in all of these areas so that we can experience all we were created for.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Father,
Help us grow and become healthier in all of these areas so that we can experience all we were created for.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
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