Best Environment

A long time ago I had a pet fish.  Now, I know one cannot cuddle or snuggle with a fish but [at the time] it made sense: fish are quiet, easy to feed, no training – a real low-maintenance pet.  The fish came along after … the pet canary … that was eaten by … the pet cat.  I guess you could say we weren’t exactly pet-friendly in those days.

 

In what environment does holiness grow best?  Personally, I think growing things is easiest in the refrigerator but those who like to grow things in the yard know you need more than just a hole; the hole needs stuff  – water, mulch, fertilizer, rich soil, etc.  Nancy Leigh DeMoss writes “True holiness is cultivated in the context of a relationship with God.”  Personally, I’ve found what is needful most to develop righteousness is a deep hunger and unquenchable thirst for the Word of God.  I must say, that prayer for hunger and thirst has never gone unanswered!   My pet fish [one day] jumped from his fish-friendly bowl to soapy dish water; apparently soapy water is not a good place for fish.  You see, it’s true, environment is key.  We cannot expect to grow in holiness in otherwise sin-rich settings, but rather in God-centered intentional moments, alone in His Presence.  Jesus modeled this as He “went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:23).  Away from distractions and alone with God is the right environment to grow in the beauty of Godliness.  Let me ask you -- do you have a specific place where you meet with God?  It could be in a front-porch swing, a lamp-lit corner of the living room, underneath a shade tree, or at the kitchen table.  Where is of little consequence and it need not be impressive, but I challenge you to designate a place where you meet God and grow in holiness.  Consider an environmental change – set the stage and invite The Father.  He will not be late!