One Trait at a Time: Four Dimensions of Growth in the Greatest Commandment
Wisdom Scripture
1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV)
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
Wisdom Quote
Wisdom can be viewed as action-related with the focus on conduct as a consequence of right perception, proper behavior in everyday life and capable workmanship. Thus wisdom has been defined as “the reasoned search for specific ways to assure well-being and the implementation of those discoveries in daily existence” (Crenshaw).[1]
[1] Schnabel, E. J. “Wisdom.” Ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid. Dictionary of Paul and his letters 1993: 967–968. Print.
Four Dimensions of Growth in the Greatest Commandment
In God’s divine power, you have everything you need to build Christlike character. As Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). The power of your connection with God drives your growth. You can confidently work out your salvation because God is at work in you (Philippians 2:12–13).
However, you need more than good intentions alone; you need an intentional plan. Wishing to grow is good, but it will not, by itself, help you become more like Christ.
In the Greatest Commandment, Jesus identified four dimensions that are crucial to your growth plan. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). The more you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, the more you will mature in the area where you are seeking growth.
While a person functions as an integrated whole, it is helpful to identify distinct aspects as you build a holistic character development plan. Heart, soul, mind, and strength represent four dimensions of every person that overlap and influence one another.
To help you build a practical and robust plan, I am using these terms in the following way:
Heart — includes your will and emotions.
Soul — correlates with the immaterial aspect of your being.
Mind — expresses your thinking.
Strength — refers to your body and how you act in the world.
Each of these four dimensions adds unique strength to your plan for becoming more like Jesus.
In which aspect of your being do you need to give the most attention right now?
