1Pet.2v1-2: Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

Dearly beloved, you need the right kind of tools if you will ever experience genuine spiritual growth. This is why I have been sharing with you the implements or instruments that is needed in order for spiritual growth to take place as you can see from (1Pet.2v1-2) that the Word of God is a major tool for actualizing spiritual growth in our lives. However, the focus of our discussion today will be on another major tool that you need to engage if you will really grow spiritually. So what is this major tool for spiritual growth?

INSTRUMENTS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

1. THE RIGHT KIND OF ATMOSPHERE. The atmosphere around your life will determine to a great extent if you will grow or not. As a matter of fact, you can’t grow spiritually if the atmosphere is toxic or unfriendly. This is why a good atmosphere or climate is crucial to the growth of anything. For any seed to grow, the soil has to be good; water and sunlight has to be present to a certain degree. This is why you need to have the right kind of atmosphere around you if you will thrive spiritually speaking (Mk.6v5-6). My dear reader, I have observed over the years that:
   
   – The Spiritual atmosphere around our lives will determine our Spiritual Growth (1Pet.2v1-2).
   – The Spiritual Atmosphere can be created or cultivated.
   – The Spiritual Atmosphere around our lives can be corrupted or enhanced (Pro.13v20; 2Chro.26v5).
   – The Spiritual Atmosphere around our lives should be guarded jealously (Matt.13v25).
   – There is no perfect Spiritual Atmosphere except in Heaven.

This is why you need to pay attention to the kind of atmosphere around your life. So what kind of Atmosphere is conducive for spiritual growth? I have discovered from experience that the following kind of Atmosphere will promote your Spiritual Growth:

• A place where the Word of God is genuinely taught and preached (Acts.17v11)
•  A place where the Holy Spirit is allowed to operate freely and fully without any inhibition (2Cor.3v17)
• A place where you can genuinely/truly serve God in Spirit and in truth (Acts 9v19, 22, 28).
• A place that is devoid of the works of the flesh as much as possible i.e. a place where the fruit of Spirit abounds (Jam.3v16).
• A place that will challenge you to grow and to good works (Heb.10v24).
• A place where leadership development and growth is taught and appreciated (Matt.4v19; Acts 4v13).
• A secured or understanding Leader/Mentor. For instance, Eli/Samuel or Paul/Timothy (1Sam.2v11: 3v1).

These are just some of the right kinds of atmosphere that will promote spiritual growth for you. It’s time to seek out and create these kinds of atmosphere in your life if you will really flourish spiritually. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the ground running. It’s time for your manifestation and lifting. May this be your experience from henceforth in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural References: (Mic.2v10; Lk.10v1, 19; Philip.2v19-22; Exo.24v13: 33v11; Eph.4v31-32; Gal.5v22-23; Acts 13v1-2; 2Chro.14v7).

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me to create to the right kind of atmosphere that is conducive for Spiritual Growth in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: The atmosphere matters because it determines the anointing. Therefore, I guard the atmosphere around my life jealously. I refuse to encourage or embrace any toxic or unfriendly atmosphere around my life or work. I walk in partnership with the Holy Spirit to create and maintain the right kind of atmosphere conducive to my spiritual growth and development. This is my pledge and experience in the land of the living in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.