1. Let go of excessive event-based initiatives. Event-based ministry is defined as having one “new” and often “disconnected event or activity” after another without defined goals or clear spiritual purpose.
They are simply performance-based activities in a commercial-focused world. While event-based initiatives in and of themselves are not negative, excessive focus on these areas can become blocks in ministry.
One key identifier is that the events or activities are self-serving, non-sacrificial. In addition, they may lack any substantial, ongoing development or care that favors others.
There may be conversation or content about the Lord, but there is no service to Him or to his people. (2 Timothy 3:2)
Alternatively, building from foundations that expand the vision in selfless, sacrificial directions that promote traceable spiritual growth and development that is fitted with tools, resources and stable help that leads to fullness.
Seek the long-term benefits of community forming around the foundations.
2. Let go of exhaustive busyness. Busyness holds the traditional definition: living a life filled with constant things to do. This isn’t referring to the things that “have to be done” like employment, caring for loved ones, etc.
Rather, we are speaking of packed schedules and constant intensity that takes away from what is spiritually and physically important: rest and quality time with one’s self and others. If we are honest, the crowding out schedules can fill a need to “be needed, feel important or otherwise feed the inner ego unhealthily.” (Luke 10:38-42, Eph. 5:15-17)
Delusions may rest here that cause people to feel as if they must be busy to be accomplished, relevant or even worthy. Instead of fitting rest in, let this be a time for considering the kind of life where “being at rest” becomes the priority and busyness falls away.
3. Let go of comparison. Negative comparison is defined as evaluating your progress, success, well-being, ability, etc. based on the accomplishment or ability of someone else.
It is well-worth the effort to learn to be okay with every outcome in which you have given your best and maximized your potential. When we give our all, we have done absolutely all we can within our current measure. Scripture is clear in highlighting the beauty of our differences, and how each person fits within the landscape of the whole.
We must come to understand that puzzle pieces cannot be compared. They can only fit into their designed space and nothing more. (2 Cor 10:12, Prov 16:3)
4. Let go of inner, negative speech. Many people blame the enemy for whispering negativity in their ear or that the enemy is pressing evil thoughts upon them. To be honest, I cringe when I hear this. The devil is not omniscient or omnipresent in any form, only the Lord is.
The Scriptures speak of casting down imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. We have a role in taking those things captive under the power of the Spirit. Cognizant humans have the power to choose what they listen to, meditate on and entertain.
For most of us, self is the greatest enemy of the soul we will ever encounter. Abuse or negative thinking may begin with an outside source, but it is supposed to end with us. Acknowledging this truth and ending “the enemy scapegoat” can release tremendous freedom. (Prov 23:7, Prov 18:21, 2 Cor 10:5, 1 Cor 2:16)
5. Let go of selfish ambition and vain conceit. We rarely hear people speak extensively about these things in creative communities. So much focus can be on skills and giftings that intention and motives become secondary teachings. Selfish ambition drives pride, arrogance, and vanity, which can cripple one’s faith and silence Holy Spirit within us.
Getting stuck here is dangerous, and releases familiarity that can be confused with anointing. This one must be let go.
Humility should be embraced and practiced at every opportunity. (1 Peter 5:5-6, James 4:6-7)
