By Alexandria McCraney, FCA Women's Director at the University of Arkansas
In a world of constant change—cultural shifts, technological advances and continual transitions—we often feel the tension of wanting to control life just enough to make it feel manageable. Deep down, we know we were created for beauty and order, yet the brokenness of the world and the brokenness within our own hearts can leave us feeling as though little is within our grasp.
It can feel helpless, but then we are reminded of Jesus.
Jesus is the Word who became flesh and made His dwelling among us. He did not shrink back from the darkness and chaos, but entered fully into it with His presence, bringing light, hope, and redemption. This is the story of God’s Kingdom coming into the midst of a fallen world.
What’s important to note is that this redemption did not happen haphazardly. The prioritizing, planning, and preparing for our salvation was intentional work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Through purposeful action, God brought His Kingdom, redeemed humanity, restored us as image bearers and empowered us to flourish as we seek the flourishing of others.
Like Jesus entering the world to bring light and life, we, too, can cultivate a life that reflects God’s wisdom in a chaotic world.
Scripture tells us, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.” – Luke 2:52
Jesus was God in the flesh, yet He was also fully human. He did not bypass the process of growth. He entered the world as Immanuel and grew over time into the Author of our salvation. His life reminds us that growth is part of God’s design.
In that verse in Luke, we see that Jesus grew in four distinct ways:
- Wisdom.
- Stature.
- Favor with God.
- Favor with People.
I link those up to what I refer to as the Four Pillar Areas of Life:
- Prayer – Our relationship with God.
- Person – Our own well-being: body, mind
, and soul. - People – Our relationships and community.
- Profession – The work and calling we’ve been given to steward.
This framework gives us a simple, holistic guide for intentional growth. Rather than reacting to life or trying to control outcomes, we can cultivate habits that align us with how God designed us to grow.
Creating intentional practices within each of the four pillar areas is a practice that I call Cultivating a Pattern of Life.
A pattern of life provides structure and rhythm as we pursue being conformed to Christ in every area. As we grow in this way, God’s Kingdom comes through us, bringing light, beauty, and glory into our areas of influence.
A simple way to begin cultivating a pattern of life is to choose one practice in each pillar area. For example, you may consider:
- Prayer: Read Scripture daily.
- Person: Take a 30-minute walk.
- People: Call or text a friend three times a week.
- Profession: Study or develop a skill for 30 minutes each evening.
Where do you want to grow?
Small and actionable steps help us make progress in the areas we value most. Just as Jesus grew, we can plan to grow into the men and women God created us to be. We can cultivate a pattern of life that supports our fruitfulness, for the glory of God and the good of others.
Jesus’ life and death purchased our salvation, and following Him, (patterning our lives after His), brings flourishing and the abundant life He came to give.
Living with Prayer, Purpose and Presence Teaching
This series introduces a pattern of life built around four key pillar areas—Prayer, Person, People and Profession—designed to help individuals live with greater intentionality and flourishing. It is available on the FCA Resources app.
-FCA-