Attitudes of Growth: Abiding In God

Attitudes of Growth: Abiding In God

By Apostle Felix

1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 

2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 

4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

Philippians 2: 1 – 5

The longevity of any relationship depends heavily on the attitudes of the people involved. You cannot expect a connection to last if both parties harbor negative attitudes toward one another. For instance, a marriage flourishes when both spouses maintain healthy attitudes that create a safe and peaceful environment. Similarly, our relationship with God must be approached with the right mindset in order to thrive. Unlike humans, God does not have a flawed attitude that requires improvement; He never needs to improve, nor does He ever change.

Developing a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit requires an attitude that genuinely longs for God’s presence and His Word. Just as it is impossible to build a strong bond with your spouse without regular fellowship, you cannot deeply relate to someone whose company you do not desire. It is remarkable how many believers want blessings from God while having no true desire for His presence. Ultimately, maintaining an attitude of abiding in God leads to a fruitful life, because true spiritual growth is only possible when we remain in Him.

4  So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. 

5  “I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. 

6  If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned. 

7  But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. 

8  When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father! 

John 15: 4 – 8

Develop a life of prayer alongside a devotion to studying the Word of God, as the two go hand in hand. True intimacy with Him grows when you learn His language, which in turn enables you to recognize His voice. You cannot discern His voice if you do not understand His language, and the voice of God is His Word. Ultimately, prayer is the echo of His voice rather than our own, meaning we do not pray our own will, but His will.