How can we grow "in favor with the LORD and with men" today? Verse in Focus 1 Samuel 2:26: “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” The Pattern Repeated in Scripture • Luke 2:52 shows the same balance in Jesus: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” • Proverbs 3:3-4: “Never let loving devotion and faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.” First Priority—Growing in Favor with the LORD • Stay in the Word: Joshua 1:8—meditate day and night; Psalm 119:105—let it light every step. • Obey promptly: John 14:21—love proves itself through obedience. • Cultivate reverent worship: Hebrews 12:28—offer acceptable worship with awe. • Walk in holiness: 1 Peter 1:15—be holy in all conduct. • Practice continual prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17—pray without ceasing. • Serve faithfully where placed: Colossians 3:23—work heartily, as for the Lord. • Keep short accounts: 1 John 1:9—confess quickly, restore fellowship. Living Out Favor with People • Display integrity: Proverbs 22:1—“A good name is more desirable than great riches.” • Show tangible kindness: Ephesians 4:32—be kind, compassionate, forgiving. • Speak truth with grace: Colossians 4:6—speech seasoned with salt. • Listen well: James 1:19—quick to hear, slow to speak. • Honor authority: Romans 13:7—give respect and honor where due. • Serve practically: Galatians 5:13—through love, serve one another. • Keep promises: Psalm 15:4—swear to your own hurt and do not change. • Practice hospitality: 1 Peter 4:9—without complaining. • Share the gospel gently: 1 Peter 3:15—with gentleness and respect. Balancing Both Realms Daily • Align motives each morning—seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). • Let private devotion fuel public conduct—overflow, not performance. • Remember audience of One—pleasing God often blesses people (Proverbs 16:7). • When favor conflicts, choose faithfulness—Acts 5:29. A Simple Weekly Action Plan • Set intentional time blocks: Word (daily), worship gathering (weekly). • Identify one relationship to strengthen through service or encouragement. • Fast from self-promotion; instead highlight others’ successes. • Review finances—allocate something to generosity. • Evaluate speech: replace criticism with blessing. • Sabbath rest—trust God enough to stop and delight in Him. Checkpoint—Tracking Growth • Is love for God warmer this month than last? (Revelation 2:4-5) • Do those closest notice increasing Christlike character? (Philippians 1:9-11) • Are opportunities to influence for good expanding? (Matthew 5:16) • Is repentance quicker and joy deeper? (Psalm 51:12) Pursuing favor with the LORD naturally spills over into favor with people. Keep pressing on like Samuel—steadily, humbly, consistently—and watch God shape both your vertical and horizontal relationships for His glory and others’ good. |
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