Luke 2:52 :

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Although Jesus gained some pretty high-profile enemies that eventually killed Him, this shows us something about how to gain a correct relationship with others. I don’t think it is good teaching to suggest that Christians should always have a good reputation among non-believers, but we do know from this passage that there is a natural tendency for people to be attracted to a wise person.

There are many examples in the Bible that demonstrate that public opinion is not a way to decide what to do. It is God’s will that that should guide our decisions not the majority. On the other hand, I believe that it is only natural that one who is wise will be liked because a wise person knows how to deal with things that happen in life. People like to be around those who know how to deal with situations that arise and understand the way life works. God made all people and so it isn’t too surprising that when someone lives a godly life that they would have traits that others find appealing.

Favor with God is a topic that is well covered in the Bible and we will see that this was Jesus’ focus. It is clear that when we have a right relationship with God, He will help us to maintain a good relationship with people. Jesus always had many people who loved Him even when He had powerful enemies. He didn’t pay attention to the worldly power of his friends. There was no one more powerful than God and only what God thought really mattered to Him. It was God that caused men to favor Him.