Revelation 21:1
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

Leaders must create an atmosphere. When you look at Heaven, you learn that God created such an atmosphere that people are willing to trust Him as their Saviour so that they can go there. Leaders would be wise to look at the atmosphere God created in Heaven and replicate that same atmosphere in the area in which they lead. Verses 1-8, show eight things God did in Heaven that every leader should instill in the area in which they lead. Let me show you these eight traits of a heavenly atmosphere.

First, create an atmosphere that treats everything as new. You must be careful about getting used to doing something. Everything always has to seem new if you want to have a heavenly atmosphere. When you treat everything as new, you treat everything importantly, and it keeps the excitement needed for everyone to continue working towards what you are trying to accomplish.

Second, instill an atmosphere of holiness. Heaven is a holy place. You cannot have a heavenly atmosphere when sin is present. Every leader should live such a holy life that those following them see the importance of being holy because of what it does to the spirit of what you are trying to accomplish. Sin will destroy your spirit, but holiness always creates a heavenly spirit.

Third, create a secure atmosphere. God dwells with people in Heaven, and every leader must be there for those they lead. An inaccessible leader is a leader who doesn’t know the needs of those they lead. You can’t help people grow as a leader without spending time with them.

Fourth, have an atmosphere of comfort. In verse 4, God wipes away all tears. Leaders win over the hearts of those they lead when they are there for them in their time of heartache. There is no better way to win the hearts of followers than to be there to comfort them in their time of need.

Fifth, create an atmosphere of truth. You cannot have a heavenly atmosphere and allow lies to continue. God’s words were “true and faithful,” and the leader must be truthful. Leaders who use deception to accomplish what they want done will create distrust in the follower. Using deception to accomplish your desires insults the intelligence of the follower, which creates distrust and anger towards the leader.

Sixth, have an atmosphere of answers. Leaders have to give answers. Jesus is the “Alpha and Omega,” which means He always has the answer for the believer. Leaders who can’t make tough decisions need to step down from their leadership role and let someone else lead who can make the tough decisions. It’s not easy being a leader because you must make tough decisions, but answers are what followers need.

Seventh, create an overcoming atmosphere. In verse 7, Jesus overcame all things. Leaders can’t allow an atmosphere of excuses. They must challenge people to overcome because a heavenly spirit is created by overcoming life’s obstacles.

Eighth, have an atmosphere that punishes sin. In verse 8, those who never accepted Christ were cast into Hell. When punishment is given to those who do wrong, a heavenly atmosphere is enjoyed because sin is not present.

Author: Allen Domelle