1 Samuel 2:26 (NKJV)

“And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.”

God wants us to develop comprehensively. God does not just look at one aspect of our lives. He looks at the complete package, and He has a comprehensive and holistic plan for each one of us. To develop in the spirit and not develop in other aspects of life is incomplete. To have favor with God and not have favor with men is skewed. God wants to infuse our spirits, soul, and bodies with His life. He wants us to grow in our emotions, relationships, finances, spiritual, and social disciplines. God requires His servant to be an all-around example of divine enablement and perfection. God is complete, and we are called to grow into His completeness.

Samuel grew. He was not stagnant. He grew in stature. He was not stunted. He grew in favor. He received merit and accolade. He grew in favor with the Lord. Before God, He was blessed and accepted, and recognized. He grew in favor with men. His favor with God spilled over into special favors before men. What would have seemed hard or impossible for others became easy and doable to Samuel because of God’s favor on him. God expects us to grow in our relationships with men, as we grow with God. To have a one-sided development means that you are imbalanced and incomplete, and this is not God’s way or God’s plan. Aim for the total package. Seek God earnestly, and through Him, seek growth in other areas of your life. Don’t be satisfied that you are doing well in one area. Work with God to ensure that you increase your mental, spiritual, and physical capacities. This is His will for you in Christ Jesus.