I was frustrated this weekend trying to create an abstract painting. I see other abstract paintings and say Why not? It looks so easy doesn’t it.
Blank canvas facing me, I don’t know where to begin. I have the tools. The best paintbrushes, a multi-purpose easel, and artist quality paints. I didn’t skimp on the student grade!
Eventually I put paint to brush; brush to canvas. I wish I could say I painted with abandon.
Do You Follow The Spirit With Abandon?
But, I couldn’t seem to let go. In contemplating the affliction I had to admit, this isn’t the only area I try to over-control.
God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us; but a prerequisite is that we have to give up control.
Have you ever had a similar experience in your business? You have the best software or the finest equipment money can buy. You have assembled a first class team. The vision is clear. Yet you don’t seem to be able to let go.
Let your team do their thing.
Trust in your equipment and tools.
Believe in your vision and that it is God-breathed.
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and work through you.
Drawn by the Spirit
The result for me is almost abstract art. It has color. It’s a painting. But where is the meaning behind the picture? Where is the depth and emotion? Where is the soul?
We can make our business work without the leading of the Holy Spirit. Many people do, both believers and non-believers.
However, I would contend that something is missing in our business without the leading of the Holy Spirit. It lacks true purpose, it is short on originality, it is void of soul!
A soul-less business is not a city on a hill. It isn’t a masterpiece. It probably won’t change lives.
Adding Soul to Your Business
The only way to control this is to give up control. Trust the Holy Spirit as the living God who wants to work through you and your business for His kingdom purposes.
It’s not tangible. Others may not see it. But you know.
You know if you are holding to tightly to the brush.
Only using conventional color combinations.
Following the science, not the art.
My challenge to you is to pray each day for the Holy Spirit to lead you and your business. Invite Him to take over the reigns.
Follow through on the vision God gave to you knowing that nothing is too difficult for Him.
When it comes down to it, we can’t create a masterpiece if we don’t believe God created us to do it. We can’t create a God glorifying business if we don’t trust the Holy Spirit to guide the way.
A mustard seed.
Faith that can move mountains.
Only Our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Interesting post. I am a policies and procedures type of person. I love ordered, methodical, logical processes by which one runs their business. This isn’t very conducive to letting the Spirit flow throughout my business ventures. Much like your experience with abstract art, I’ve had my struggles letting go at times and letting God be in full control.
The only problem with being in control is that you can only do what you can do. Some plans that God has for us require us to simply be along for the ride. We can’t accomplish His will for our businesses on our own. We just end up with a not-very-close result. It takes God to make the difference.