“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”2 Pet 3:8
 
Every living organism grows naturally. But it takes effort on our part for our aggregate life, for example, marriage, ministry, career, home, or business to grow. Meaning if you don’t grow your business, marriage, or relationships they may not grow. In addition, the capacity of your mind for growth will determine your overall growth. The level of your growth determines the size of your financial fortunes or misfortunes. Your spiritual growth determines your maturity and access to divinely orchestrated attributes. No growth no progress. No progress, No growth. Bishop David Oyedepo said “You don’t grow big to manage well, you manage well to grow big”
 
From the scripture above The Holy Spirit taught me what it means to grow. Let me share it as an acronym of grow.
 
G. Grow in the Lord. Grow spiritually. Grow vertically and horizontally. Grow in the things of God, in spiritual and academic knowledge and wisdom. Expand your horizons. Stretch yourself. Be intentional. Growth is cultivated and developed. Nobody grows business, ministry or career by chance, they must be intentional. You go to school. You register for that course. You go to the gym. Lift the weights. Spend hours on treadmills. You have sleepless nights on that business thinking through and out of the box, asking questions, meeting mentors pouring over relevant books. You grow your marriage by prayer, spending time on your family altar. Spending time with your spouse.  Going to church weekdays and weekends. Training the children in the way of the Lord.

 
R. Release. There are things hanging in your head, mind or hands that you need to release for you to grow. Release sin. Let it go. Release bitterness, anger, laziness, immorality, indiscipline, lack of focus. Release yourself from ungodly associations. Release yourself from ungodly thoughts, and corruption. Release yourself to God. Let God have the upper hand . Let God control you through the Holy Spirit.
 
O. Organize. Organize your life. You are not growing because you are too disorganized. You've had no vision. No clear thought out goals year, in year out, or monthly or even daily. No discipline spiritually, mentally, academically, emotionally and physically. No sacrifice. No consecration. No sanctification. No scheduled time to pray, to read scriptures, or other relevant books that can advance your expertise in your chosen career. No scheduled time for family prayer. No time to do God’s work: evangelism, or even serve as a worker in your local church. You are not discerning! No restrain. Eat all you can . No daily prayer, regimented weekly or monthly prayer. Have you seen a champion without a workable schedule? If you want to grow organise yourself. Set your priorities. “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.”– Anonymous
 
W. Withstand. Withstand the devil . The Bible says after all said and done Stand. Read my book -" The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail". Resist the devil . If Satan took Jesus to test surely he will do the same to you. However, Jesus stood on the Word. Jesus resisted the devil. You too can . Satan has two ways of operation: deceit and suggestions. When he is bombarding your mind with evil suggestions, to follow your flesh, not God’s directions, say NO. Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray . Find a mountain (not necessarily physical), find a quiet place to wage spiritual war against the tactics of the devil . Guard yourself with spiritual armour, God’s promises and principles. The Bible says sin shall no more have dominion over you. It is possible. Make Jesus not just your Savour but Lord. Obey God’s instructions not the dictates of your flesh. Saturate your mind with scriptures. Pray often. Fast regularly. Seek counsel when confused. Don’t ignore fellowship with the brethren. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas 4:7. Be careful where you go , including churches, not every church honours God and preaches the gospel undiluted. You are commanded - Test every spirit.  Jumping from church to church seeking elusive miracles will only compound your compounded life . Be warned.
 
Conclusion. Grow in the right direction. Seek the face of God to help you grow. I shall see you on top ! Shalom.