Philippians 3:13 (NKJV): “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”
This one thing I do…
I believe that one of the greatest challenges we will ever face is that of time wasting. I am not referring to the wasting of time through watching mindless television or engaging in trivial pursuits, but rather the act of being distracted and pulled away from our primary purpose.
If we are honest, each of us will encounter seasons where it feels as though the majority of our time, energy, and focus is consumed by matters that have little connection to our primary purpose and vision.
Through my conversations with people of influence and my own self-reflection, I have observed how often we live with an underlying sense of guilt or frustration. We feel as though time is slipping away, and we are not directing our focus and energy toward the mission, calling, and purposes of God in our lives.
Living in a fallen world, surrounded by fallen people—including those of us still learning to live out our identities in God—this is a battle we must engage in throughout our lives.
Yet, I dare to believe it is possible to rise above distractions, remain focused, and stay committed to the vision God has given for our lives.
Here are three principles that I have found helpful in this pursuit.
I. Definition
Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV): “Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
There are seasons of definition.
There are times when God plants vision and purpose within our hearts. However, I believe He also calls us to transform that inner sense of mission into a clear and actionable plan.
Everything God gives us is an invitation to deepen our relationship with Him. In my experience, God does not provide a fully formed plan for our lives. Instead, He invites us to explore and unpack the vision through our relationship with Him.
Many genuine visions fail because we attempt to execute them without continually seeking the God who gave them. We must return to Him and delve into His heart.
• Definition takes time.
• Definition is an invitation to fellowship.
• Definition is a season to ask God meaningful questions.
• Definition is a time to assess our current reality through the lens of God’s promises and purposes.
• Definition is a season of dreaming with God.
• Definition is less about current resources and more about trusting God as our source.
II. Creating a Personal Culture Around Vision
Psalm 90:12 (NKJV): “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
For anything to occur consistently in our lives, we must develop habits that become an integral and unconscious part of our daily routines.
If the vision we have cannot be translated into consistent daily actions, it will lose momentum and fade away.
What is culture?
Culture emerges when we repeatedly practice certain behaviors or habits until they become a self-sustaining lifestyle. These habits often operate subconsciously.
For example, did you brush your teeth today? The answer is likely yes. Did you consciously think about brushing your teeth? Probably not. This is because you have practiced the habit to such an extent that it is ingrained in your personal culture.
The only time you might consciously think about it is when you are unable to maintain the habit. Have you ever taken an overnight flight and spent the following morning in a foreign city feeling uncomfortable? This discomfort arises because you were unable to carry out a routine that has become part of your lifestyle.
• Clearly define the habits you wish to incorporate into your life.
• Practice these habits consistently, expecting some internal resistance at first.
• Spend two minutes each day reviewing your long-term vision and current goals. Celebrate any progress you have made.
III. Maintaining Focus
Psalm 16:8 (NKJV): “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Learn to walk with your eyes on your current steps while keeping your heart focused on the horizon.
One of the greatest challenges in avoiding time wasting is maintaining focus. Jesus said, “If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22 NKJV).
There is a reflexive law that I have often experienced in my life. You can try it, and I am confident it will hold true for you as well.
Whatever you consistently set your eyes upon, your heart will become passionate about. Whatever your heart is passionate about, you will find yourself continually looking at.
This law can work in your favor or against you. The key is to practice focusing on the right things until your heart is filled with them.
For many of us, particularly leaders, there is a tendency to shift our focus to the challenges and obstacles associated with a project rather than the reasons we started it in the first place. Over time, our hearts can become filled with these difficulties, distracting us from the original purpose.
Ask yourself:
• What is your heart filled with right now? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NKJV).
• What are the words that naturally flow from your mouth regarding this area of your life? “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV).
• Where are you choosing to place your focus each day?
Pray and ask God for the grace to refocus in these areas.
Cheering you on!
Graham
www.gjm.org