FAVOUR WITH MEN:
Luke 2:45-52 NKJV
[45] So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. [46] Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. [47] And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. [48] So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” [49] And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” [50] But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. [51] Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Favour is a key to having influence with men and it is also necessary or great ministry impact. Jesus grew in favour with God and men because it was necessary for the success of His ministry on earth. For us to be successful in our businesses, occupations, studies, ministries, and all other undertakings in life, we will need favour. Friends, if Jesus needed favour, and worked to grow in it, it tells us that we also need to take growing in favour very importantly.
The most healthy way to gain favour with men is to first gain favour with God. The need to gain favour with men may cause you to become people pleasing, manipulative, compromise your morals, or do other things detrimental to your wellbeing. Saul failed as a King because he delighted to please people more than God (1 Samuel 15).
The ministry of the apostles had great impact and gave them favour with men because of the demonstration of God’s power done in obedience to God.
Acts 2:46-47 NKJV
[46] So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Do you want to grow in favour with men? Walk in obedience to God, pursue the anointing to do God’s work, seek to excel, and do everything as unto the Lord. Do whatever it takes to ensure that God is with you in all you are doing (Genesis 39:1-6).
Colossians 3:22-24 NKJV
[22] Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. [23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Friends, if we do all we can to please God and find favour with Him, He will ensure that we find favour with men and the things we do will bring pleasure to the people.