The rich young ruler had a big problem: He loved what he possessed so much that he could not let it go and follow Jesus. As a result of his clinging, he walked away sad (Matthew 19:22).
Think of all the wonderful things he missed by holding on so tightly to what he had. Just in Matthew’s Gospel, the young man did not hear Jesus’ grace-filled parable about the workers in the vineyard (20:1-16). He was not around for the miracle of two blind men receiving their sight (20:34). He probably did not see Jesus enter Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, signaling the arrival of Israel’s messianic king (21:4-5).
How the story would have been different if he had let go.
As the morning air turns crisp, as days grow shorter and as trees begin to release their fiery leaves, this may be the season for us to follow the guidance of creation and discern what we need to keep for the winter and what we need to let go.
Reflect on the leadership goals you had at the beginning of the year. Think about the plans you made. Where did you want to go? What did you want to do? You accomplished some of your goals. You will likely see more progress before the year ends. But also consider what you need to let go of altogether.
This is true not only for us as individuals, but also for congregations. It’s tempting to hold on to old patterns, historic practices, comfortable approaches and last year’s programs. Traditions are good and play an important role in our formation, but we must not try to hold on to everything. When we discern that the season has come to release something, we can do so with love and gratitude instead of fear.
Resources
Autumn is all about letting go
Fall is the season of limits that reminds us of our mortality. That’s a good thing, writes a pastor and author.
By Courtney Ellis
Even when we don’t hear the Holy Spirit, she is still working
On a retreat, an elusive squirrel embodies the Holy Spirit.
By Aleta Payne
Embracing a fruitless season
A writer adapts the church traditions of his childhood in Montserrat, where fruit and flowers decorate the sanctuaries, to his life in the United States.
By Andrew J. Skerritt
The church isn’t dying. It’s being remade
As the 1950s model declines, new ways of being the church are popping up all over, and gospel truths are now being found in new containers, writes a social entrepreneur.
By Shannon Hopkins
Before you go
Among the most treasured gifts I have from my time as a seminary student are my books. Like most ministers, I have overflowing shelves at home and at church. Recently I scanned the titles and came to a liberating discovery: I have a few dozen very good books that I’m probably never going to read again. It occurred to me that I could hold on to them or I could give them away. There are good arguments for holding on to them — but releasing them felt like the right thing to do. Nothing lasts forever. And that’s OK.
Now I’m spending time reflecting on leadership habits and pastoral practices that I might need to release as well. What served me well 10 years ago might not be the best approach today. It’s a process, but I give thanks for the grace of letting go.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince R. Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity