By: Susanna Kozlow
There is so much around us that begs for our focus, and then there are internal needs we focus on in order to be filled. What I have found is truly elementary in some way, because what we focus on is what we become; it becomes the most important thing in our life. What we give attention to is what will grow.
Focus on your marriage, and your heart and mind will always be on your spouse and what is best to make your union healthy and strong.
Focus on creating a Jesus-filled environment in your home, and you will create a space full of the love and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Focus on fear, and fear will consume you in all areas of your life.
Focus on unforgiveness and hurt, and then that hard situation will not allow for forgiveness to begin in your life.
Let’s take a deeper look at the focus on circumstances. We may be living in an unfortunate circumstance, and sometimes that circumstance can take the throne in our heart. So our focus consistently becomes this circumstance. What happens in those moments is something much bigger than we think, because every time our focus turns our eyes away from the One that truly should reign in our heart, we begin to forget the promises of our God. We don’t mean to forget, but as we sit in the heaviness of what is happening and how we feel, we naturally begin to forget, or, even worse, we begin to question the ability and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
You see, it’s quite easy to remember the promises of our God when things are going smoothly, though as followers of Jesus, we know hardships will come. We even give advice to people about this, but no one really wants to actually walk through it. Let’s be honest, I certainly do not. But through those times in the valley, there is so much refining that takes place. God shows His power in our weakness and in our times of trouble. Our loyalty is tested. Our faith is tested. Our commitment is tested, and overall we become stronger.
Now, let's take a moment to look at the importance of focus in ministry. When I say “ministry,” this could mean a non-profit ministry God gave you vision for, or the ministry God gave you when you proclaimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior. These are both the arena of “ministry.” I have had so many opportunities to see through the lens of focus in ministry and the “unfocus” at times. I’ve had many conversations with others and with myself as to why it's so important to be focused and why focus is necessary in order to move forward. I have noticed a few areas the Holy Spirit has shown me.
In the Kingdom of God, there are many facets that move a well-oiled machine. And when there are several moving this machine, it becomes easier to pull in the direction it is going. This can apply to ministry, in a church, or in your own home. When there is focus and we have many hands pulling in the same direction, we “move.”
Can we focus on several things and still be effective?
Let’s think about one person's attention being elsewhere, because the temptation for focus to be somewhere else will always come to any human being. They are pulling the machine, but their attention and interest are also in another place. In those moments, their grip loosens, or they let go completely, and the pulling in that direction becomes harder for the others. Someone else will have to pick up what was let go.
Why is focus so important in a believer's life and ultimately in the Kingdom of God? Why is it so important in order to thrive in ministry? Focus ensues excellence, and one always goes hand in hand with the other. Wanting excellence in our pursuit of all things Jesus really should be our priority and drive.
Let’s take a look at what God says:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
Romans 8:5 ESV
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV
God does not expect perfection, in retrospect, perfection is non-existent in the sinful nature we are born into. But, God deserves excellence in all we do in His Name. And when we make a commitment to say ‘yes’ to God, we must stay focused on that excellence, or excellence can’t exist at all. Without focus there will be fallout. Focus in ministry is key in growing a healthy and thriving ministry.
With focus comes a drive to give your all to pursue goodness and excellence.
With focus, your mind and heart will persevere through the highs and lows that will come.
With focus, you will pull your weight on what you have committed to.
With focus, you will allow God to give you the wisdom and discernment that is needed.
With focus, you will be invested where God has placed you.
Friend, there is power in unity. There is power in two or three gathered together. There is power when many hearts and minds are aligned and focused on a mission – His mission. Let us stay focused on all the things above as we strive to bring heaven here on earth.
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